"“How can I prepare for and approach the synoptic essay question in paper 1 of the NI CCEA A Level History Paper on Communist/Capitalist conflict in the period 1917-1991?”

The new synoptic essay question is daunting upon first glance for three reasons. Firstly, a significant time period is required to be covered. Secondly, the perspectives of both the Soviet Union and the individual and often internally contrasting Western governments must be explored throughout the entire period. Finally, this has to be done in an hour. Efficient revision and confidence are paramount to success in this question. To combat this lack of confidence fuelled by the three hurdles, we simplify the question. What is the synoptic question asking you? “To what extent did (insert factor) influence relations between the Soviet Union and the Western governments in the period 1917-1991”. One must focus on the concept of motivation or influence. One of the most practical and beneficial tools of revision in all essay-based subjects is writing introductions. The help this activity will provide for the synoptic essay possibilities is unparalleled. You must treat the question like a journey, signposting the critical points throughout the relevant period. A useful way to ensure you signpost each vital key point and turning point is to highlight them in your introduction and importantly, highlight the factor influencing this turning point i.e economy, security, ideology etc. In writing just one introduction, you have all the critical points written down in your answer booklet, you have noted that there is a change in motivation throughout the period and thus, you can expand and explore why, targeting the critical analysis sector of marks.I will demonstrate this by example. Here is an introduction to the question, ‘How far was the conflict in Europe between the Soviet Union and Western governments between 1917 and 1991 due to security concerns?’: The main factor influencing the 20th century conflict in Europe fluctuated depending on the leader and primarily, the context of the time. Whilst Lenin’s foreign policy in the Soviet Union began with an ideological drive in trying to export revolution, the security of the the new Communist state maintained of central importance. With Stalin, we see a different approach. Security was prioritised due to external threats, beginning at the revolution's birth and continuing thereafter. Ideology inspired periods of tactical alliances when possible and as long as it did not risk the security of Communist Russia. The Soviet Union’s adversaries can be separated into two fundamental groups; the Western democracies and the fascists dictatorships. Motivation for foreign policy was utterly dependent on the context of the times; Britain and France cooperated for security purposes when absolutely necessary where as Germany pursued ideological motivations, even if it did compromise their security. Therefore, the common thread running through the conflict is that whilst both the Soviet Union and Western governments were inspired by ideology, their foreign policies were shaped by the immediate desires for national security.