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Study Sources B and C in the Sources Booklet - AQA - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 2
Study Sources B and C in the Sources Booklet. How useful are Sources B and C to an historian studying the invasion of Iraq in 2003? Explain your answer using Sourc... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study Sources B and C in the Sources Booklet - AQA - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate the usefulness of Source B
Answer
Source B offers a cartoon that serves as a critique of U.S. actions in Iraq. It highlights the perception of the U.S. as acting out of self-interest, which aligns with some historical interpretations of U.S. foreign policy in the region. The cartoon's context of being published in a British newspaper adds significant value, as it reflects varying international viewpoints on the invasion. However, the source is biased against Saddam's regime, which could affect its objectivity.
Step 2
Evaluate the usefulness of Source C
Answer
Source C may provide testimonies regarding the Kurdish perspective on the invasion and the subsequent actions taken by the U.S. The content can be particularly insightful because it reflects the complexities of U.S. support against Saddam while also showing the unintended consequences for minority groups in Iraq. Such evidence is critical to understanding the dual nature of U.S. involvement, aiding in evaluating the source's overall significance and credibility.
Step 3
Contextual knowledge and synthesis
Answer
When analyzing both sources, it is essential to consider the wider historical context of the invasion of Iraq in 2003. The motivations of the U.S. government, including concerns over weapons of mass destruction and geopolitical interests, provide a backdrop against which these sources can be assessed. This contextual understanding reinforces the biases present in both sources while ultimately enhancing an historian's comprehension of the complexities involved in evaluating the impacts of the invasion.