GCSE AQA History: Complete Topic Guide & Revision Tips

1. Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and Dictatorship

Study the political, economic, and social changes in Germany from the Kaiserreich through the Weimar Republic to Nazi dictatorship.

• Germany under Kaiser Wilhelm II: industrialisation, militarism, and social tensions.
• Impact of World War I and the abdication of the Kaiser in 1918.
• The Weimar Republic: constitution, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Treaty of Versailles and its effects on Germany.
• Economic crises: hyperinflation (1923) and the Great Depression (1929).
• Rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party: propaganda, promises, and political manoeuvring.
• Consolidation of Nazi power: Reichstag Fire, Enabling Act, Night of the Long Knives.
• Nazi control of Germany: police state, censorship, and propaganda.
• Persecution of minorities, especially Jews (Nuremberg Laws, Kristallnacht).
• Impact of World War II on Germany and the Nazi regime’s downfall.

2. Conflict and Tension: The Inter-War Years, 1918–1939

Explore the causes of World War II, the failure of peace treaties, and the rise of international tensions.

• Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versailles.
• League of Nations: aims, successes, and failures.
• International crises: Corfu, Manchuria, Abyssinia.
• Appeasement and the policy of Neville Chamberlain.
• Hitler’s foreign policy: rearmament, Rhineland, Anschluss, Sudetenland.
• Failure of collective security and the collapse of the League.
• Munich Agreement and the invasion of Czechoslovakia.
• Nazi-Soviet Pact and the outbreak of World War II.
• Role of the USA, Britain, France, and USSR in international relations.
• Public opinion and the impact of propaganda on foreign policy.

3. Britain: Health and the People, c1000 to the Present Day

Trace the development of medicine, public health, and medical knowledge in Britain over time.

• Medieval medicine: beliefs, treatments, and the role of the Church.
• Black Death and its impact on society and medicine.
• Renaissance: Vesalius, Harvey, and advances in anatomy and physiology.
• Development of hospitals and changes in care.
• Edward Jenner and the discovery of vaccination.
• Germ theory: Pasteur, Koch, and the fight against disease.
• Public health reforms: Chadwick, Snow, and the Great Stink.
• Development of anaesthetics and antiseptics (Simpson, Lister).
• Creation of the NHS in 1948 and its impact.
• Modern medicine: antibiotics, DNA, and new challenges.

4. Elizabethan England, c1568–1603

Examine the reign of Elizabeth I, including politics, religion, culture, and foreign affairs.

• Elizabeth’s accession and the problems she faced as queen.
• Religious settlement and challenges from Catholics and Puritans.
• Plots and rebellions: Ridolfi, Throckmorton, Babington.
• Mary, Queen of Scots: threat and execution.
• Relations with Spain: causes and consequences of the Spanish Armada.
• Elizabethan society: poverty, education, and the role of women.
• Exploration and the expansion of trade and empire.
• Cultural achievements: theatre, literature, and the arts.
• Elizabeth’s government: Privy Council, Parliament, and local officials.
• Elizabeth’s image and propaganda.

5. Thematic Study: Migration, Empires and the People, c790 to the Present Day

Investigate how migration and empire shaped Britain’s history and identity.

• Viking and Norman invasions and their impact on Britain.
• Medieval migration: Jews, Flemish, and others.
• British Empire: expansion, trade, and colonisation.
• Transatlantic slave trade and its consequences.
• Irish migration and the impact of famine.
• Commonwealth migration after World War II.
• Windrush generation and post-war immigration.
• Changing attitudes to immigration and race relations.
• Impact of migration on British culture and society.
• Recent debates on migration and multiculturalism.

6. America, 1920–1973: Opportunity and Inequality

Study the social, economic, and political changes in the USA, including the Roaring Twenties, Depression, and Civil Rights.

• Economic boom and consumerism in the 1920s.
• Prohibition and organised crime.
• Women’s changing roles and the flapper movement.
• Causes and impact of the Wall Street Crash and Great Depression.
• New Deal policies and their effectiveness.
• World War II and its impact on American society.
• Post-war prosperity and the growth of suburbia.
• McCarthyism and the Red Scare.
• Civil Rights Movement: key figures and events (e.g., Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr.).
• Social change: youth culture, music, and protest movements.

Further Support

For detailed notes, practice questions, and interactive resources on every GCSE AQA History topic, visit TRH Learning.