Leaving Cert History: Documents and Essays 2020

This page remains for information only – this course is not currently examinable. For the up to date course, see Complete Guide: H1 Leaving Cert History Guide 2021/22 and 2022/23

This our concise History edition. Our full guide include this and more. This version comprises tips, document notes and essays. This is a printable guide of approximately 20,000 words over 64 pages.

LEAVING CERTIFICATE HISTORY: LATER MODERN COURSE

General study and exam tips 

Course layout

Study and revision tips

Section 1: Answering Document-based Questions

Exam timing

Assessing the sources

General skills for answering questions

Question 1: Comprehension

Question 2: Comparison

Question 3: Criticism

Question 4: Context 

Section 1: Document Case Study

The Montgomery bus boycott

Lyndon B. Johnson and the Vietnam war

The Moon landing, 1969

Sample answer:  What was the reaction to the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1956?

Sections 2 and 3: Essay Writing 

Essay skills

Planning and laying out an essay

Other tips and tricks

Sample plan

Section 2: Irish History 

Topic 1: Ireland and the Union, 1815 – 1870

Sample essays: 

a. What were the responses of Charles Trevelyan and/or Asenath Nicholson to Famine in Ireland? (2017)

b. What were the aims of Daniel O’Connell and to what extent did he achieve them? (2016)

Topic 2: Movements for political and social reform.

Sample essay:

a. How did Unionism develop during the period 1886 – 1914? (2011)

b. What did one or more of the following contribute to cultural revival during the period 1870- 1914: the GAA; the Gaelic League; the Anglo-Irish Literary Revival? (2012)

Topic 3: The pursuit of sovereignty and the impact of partition.

Sample Essay:What was the significance of the Eucharistic Congress, 1932?

Topic 5: Politics and society in Northern Ireland

Religion, Culture and Science

Sample essay: What was the contribution of the Apprentice Boys of Derry to the celebration of religious and cultural identity among that city’s unionist minority? (2006)

Topic 6: Government, economy and society in the Republic of Ireland, 1949 – 1989:

Sample essay: How did Anglo-Irish relations develop during the period 1949-1989? (2012)

Section 3: Europe and the Wider World 

Topic 3: Dictatorship and Democracy in Europe

Sample essay: How effective were Stalin’s moves for change during his time as leader of Russia?

The rise of Fascism (Italy and Germany)Sample essay:How did dictators use propaganda and/or terror to maintain their power?

With our guide on History, you will get:

access to general LC History quiz on 625points

access to our informal History FAQ video

priority access to 625Lab: we will give you feedback on one typed up answer corrected. Use the 625Lab submission form and your essay will be moved to the top of the queue

priority access for Leaving Cert study advice. Email answer@625points.com with your query

the notes as detailed above

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Can I print it? 

Yes. All notes are printable.