AQA GCSE History Paper 1 (1AD), June 2025: Question 6

06 Which of the following had more impact on America after the Second World War:

• campaigns for the rights of African-Americans

• campaigns for the rights of women?

Explain your answer with reference to both bullet points.

[12 marks]

The indicative content is designed to exemplify the qualities expected at each

level and is not a full exemplar answer. All historically relevant and valid

answers should be credited.

Target Explain and analyse historical events and periods studied using second-

order concepts (AO2:6)

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and

characteristics of the period studied (AO1:6)

Examiners are reminded that AO1 and AO2 are regarded as interdependent

and when deciding on a level should be considered together. When

establishing a mark within a level, examiners should reward three marks for

strong performance in both assessment objectives; two marks may be

achieved by strong performance in either AO1 or AO2 and one mark should be

rewarded for weak performance within the level in both assessment objectives.

Level 4: Complex explanation of both bullets leading to a sustained judgement 10–12

Answer demonstrates a range of accurate and detailed knowledge and

understanding that is relevant to the question

Extends Level 3

Students may progress from a developed explanation of causation by complex

explanation of the relationship between causes supported by factual

knowledge and understanding and arriving at a sustained judgement.

For example, the impact of the changes to African-American Civil Rights had a

wider ranging impact on a greater area of society. The campaigns to achieve

these changes took place over several decades and attracted the attention of

the whole world. Whereas women’s rights were restricted by the negative

impact of the government and some women in the Stop ERA campaign.

Level 3: Developed explanation of both bullets 7–9

Answer demonstrates a range of accurate knowledge and understanding

that is relevant to the question

Extends Level 2.

– – 8145/1A/D –

Students may progress from a simple explanation of causation with extended

reasoning supported by developed factual knowledge and understanding.

For example, the campaigns for African-American civil rights had a big impact

on America because it affected so many different areas of society.

The desegregation of schools had an impact on all Americans. Oliver Brown in

Topeka and the Little Rock Nine in Arkansas won the right for equality in

education. The Civil Rights Acts removed the obstacles to voting that African-

Americans had faced in some tests for example, literacy tests.

For example, campaigns for women’s rights had an impact on America

because abortions were made legal in 1973. The Supreme Court ruled in the

Roe v Wade case that women had the right to decide if they wanted to have a

child or not. This overruled the anti-abortion laws that existed in some states of

America.

Level 2: Simple explanation of bullet(s) 4–6

Answer demonstrates specific knowledge and understanding that is

relevant to the question

Students may progress from a basic explanation of causation by using simple

reasoning and supporting it with factual knowledge and understanding.

For example, when Rosa Parks was arrested for sitting in a ‘whites only’

section of a bus, there was a boycott in protest about segregation. Hundreds of

people walked to work rather than using buses. Eventually, the Supreme Court

ruled that laws of segregation were illegal on public transport.

Level 1: Basic explanation of bullet(s) 1–3

Answer demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding that is

relevant to the question

Students recognise and provide a basic explanation of one/both bullet points.

For example, African-Americans gained more civil rights; it was illegal to have

racial discrimination in employment. Women gained more equality; the Equal

Pay Act guaranteed the same pay as men for the same job.

Students either submit no evidence or fail to address the question 0