1. Welcome to AS History!

2. Aims
To develop a coherent knowledge of the past – both within and across the topics chosen
To develop and apply understanding of historical concepts – including explanation, evidence, interpretations and significance;
To develop the techniques of critical thinking in a historical context – and the skills necessary to analyse and solve historical problems
To develop critical awareness of a range of historical dimensions
To develop the ability to communicate historical arguments and conclusions clearly and succinctly with reference to appropriate historical terminology.

3. The AS Course
Unit F962 Option B: Modern 1795–2003 European and World History Period Studies
Study Topic 4: Peace and War: International Relations c.1890–1941
Paper 1 – 1.30hr written paper 50 marks per question. 2 questions total of 100 marks
Unit F963 Option B British History Enquiries
Study Topic 3: England and a New Century 1900–1924
Paper 1 – 1.30hr sources paper 30 and 70 marks each question. But you answer one question total of 100 marks

4. Unit F963 Option B Study Topic 3: England and a New Century 1900–1924
This option is concerned with some of the key political, economic and social issues of the period, particularly the interplay between the decline of the Liberal Party, the rise of the Labour Party and the uneven fortunes of the Conservatives. Candidates should be aware of the pressures for political, social, constitutional and economic change and the extent and impact of reforms. Knowledge of the military aspects of the Boer and First World Wars is not necessary, except insofar as they affected party, suffrage and welfare issues.

5. Unit F963 Option B: British History Enquiries Study Topic 3: England and a New Century 1900–1924
Key Issues
Why were the fortunes of the political parties so varied in the period from 1900 to 1914?
How did war and the problems it bequeathed affect the political parties from 1918 to 1924?
What demands were there for constitutional change and how important were they for democracy and the future of the political parties?
What were the causes, nature and impact of social reform in the period from 1900 to 1924?

6. Content
The progress of the Labour Party from 1900 to 1914, New Liberalism and the dominance of the Liberal Party from the 1906 election to 1914, the uneven progress of the Conservative Party from 1900 to 1914, the impact of Tariff Reform and Home Rule on the political parties.
The impact of the war on the political parties (the split between Asquith and Lloyd George, the dominance of the Conservatives from 1916–18, Henderson, Labour and the Socialist Constitution of 1918, the Coupon Election 1918); post-war problems – the role of Lloyd George, the Conservatives 1918–23, the first Labour Government 1924.
Constitutional issues: the issue of women’s suffrage, reasons for reform of the Franchise 1918; the clashes between Commons and Lords and Constitutional reform. Ireland 1912–21 – Home Rule and independence.
The debates about poverty and National Efficiency 1900–1914, the reasons for tackling poverty, taxation and the People's Budget 1909, welfare provision (Royal Commission on Poverty, pensions and contributory National Insurance), reform of working conditions, educational measures (1902 Education Act, Children’s Charter 1908, Fisher’s Education Act 1918), housing 1918–24 (Addison and Wheatley), the problems of unemployment 1918–24.