Page 1 of 58
History
Grade 12 2026
Premlim Exam
Paper 1
This document has been compiled using the following previous papers: DBE preparatory exam 2021. NSC DBE/November 2023, NSC NOVEMBER: HISTORY VR1 | 2021.
E/C DBE SEP P1 2024. E/C DBE SEP P1 2025. GAU_DBE SEP P1 2025.
IMAGES: AI Generated. Based on typical examination questions
Important:
These study notes are revised and updated annually to align with the CAPS curriculum and
current exam requirements. This document is based on past examination papers.
Content was adapted and structured for exam preparation purposes. AI tools were used to
assist with formatting, rephrasing and differentiation.
These notes are designed to help learners:
• Understand key concepts
• Practise exam-style questions
• Identify important themes and patterns in assessments
To ensure learners work with the most relevant and up-to-date content, parents and
learners are encouraged to confirm that they are using the latest version of the notes. If you
are unsure whether you have the latest version, please feel free to contact me at:
Please note that these notes are compiled as a structured study aid for exam preparation
and do not replace the prescribed textbook or classroom instruction. IMAGES: Canva & AI Generated
Good luck: Juffrou Ansie
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, Page 2 of 58
CONTENT
THE ORIGINS OF THE COLD WAR 3
1. HOW DID THE COLD WAR PERIOD SHAPE RELATIONSHIPS AFTER WORLD WAR II? 3
2. HOW DID THE USSR AND THE USA CREATE THEIR SPHERES OF INFLUENCE IN
EUROPE BETWEEN 1945 AND 1949? 6
3. HOW DID BERLIN BECOME A FOCUS OF COLD WAR TENSION BETWEEN THE SOVIET
UNION (USSR) AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) IN 1948? 11
4. HOW DID THE BERLIN WALL INTENSIFY COLD WAR TENSIONS BETWEEN THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) AND THE SOVIET UNION (USSR)? 14
ANGOLA FROM THE 1970s TO THE 1980s 18
1. WHAT WAS THE NATURE OF FOREIGN INVOLVEMENT IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR?
18
2. WHAT FACTORS LED TO THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE THREE NATIONALIST
MOVEMENTS (MPLA, FNLA AND UNITA) IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR IN 1975? 22
3. WHAT IMPACT DID THE BATTLE OF CUITO CUANAVALE HAVE ON SOUTHERN
AFRICA? 25
CIVIL RESISTANCE FROM THE 1950S TO THE 1970S: THE AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS
MOVEMENT 30
1. WHAT CHALLENGES DID THE CIVIL RIGHTS PROTESTERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN
THE FREEDOM RIDES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) ENCOUNTER? 30
2. WHAT IMPACT DID THE GREENSBORO SIT-DOWNS HAVE ON THE CIVIL RIGHTS
MOVEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN THE 1960s? 34
3. HOW DID THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON CONTRIBUTE TO THE END OF
DISCRIMINATION AND SEGREGATION IN AMERICA IN THE 1960s? 37
4. CIVIL RIGHTS PROTESTS FROM THE 1950S TO THE 1970S: THE BLACK POWER
MOVEMENT. 41
5. HOW DID THE BIRMINGHAM CAMPAIGN / CHILDREN’S CRUSADE GAIN PUBLICITY
FOR THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT? 45
ESSAY QUESTIONS 48
1. THE EXPANSION OF THE COLD WAR: CASE STUDY: VIETNAM 49
2. INDEPENDENT AFRICA: THE CONGO 51
3. MOBUTU SESE SEKO’S POLICIES IN THE CONGO AFTER INDEPENDENCE 52
4. CIVIL SOCIETY PROTESTS FROM THE 1950S TO THE 1970S: BLACK POWER
MOVEMENT 54
5. THE BLACK POWER MOVEMENT: RADICAL AND MILITANT STRATEGIES 55
6. THE EXTENSION OF THE COLD WAR: CASE STUDY - VIETNAM 57
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, Page 3 of 58
THE ORIGINS OF THE COLD WAR
HOW DID THE COLD WAR PERIOD SHAPE RELATIONSHIPS AFTER WORLD
WAR II?
NSC NOVEMBER: HISTORY VR1 | 2021
Note to learners:
The extracts in this section are shortened study extracts based on exam-style source
material. Read each extract carefully and answer the questions that follow. You do not
need to look for the original source.
Extract 1A: USA and USSR tension after World War II
This extract summarises why tension developed between the United States and the
Soviet Union after World War II.
During World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union fought together against Nazi
Germany. After the war, their relationship became tense because they followed different
ideologies. The USA supported capitalism and democracy while the USSR supported
communism and one-party rule.
The Americans were suspicious of the Soviet Union because Stalin expanded Soviet
control over Eastern Europe. The Soviet Union was also suspicious of the USA because it
believed America wanted to spread
capitalism and weaken
communism.
American diplomat George Kennan
explained this fear in his Long
Telegram. He argued that the USA
should follow a policy of
containment. This meant that the
USA should stop the spread of
communism by supporting
countries that were threatened by
Soviet influence.
Concerns the Americans had about the USSR
• Americans were suspicious of Soviet communism.
• They feared Stalin’s control over Eastern Europe.
• They believed the Soviet Union wanted to spread communism.
• They feared that Soviet expansion would threaten democracy and capitalism.
The best defence against the Soviet threat
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, Page 4 of 58
• Containment.
• This meant stopping the spread of communism.
Why the USSR resented the USA
• The USA refused to accept the USSR as an equal international power.
• The USA did not trust Soviet communism.
• The USA built up arms and military strength.
• The USA interfered in international affairs to prevent the spread of communism.
The Cold War in historical context
• The Cold War was a state of political tension between the USA and the USSR after
World War II.
• It was called a “cold” war because the two superpowers did not fight each other
directly.
• They competed through propaganda, military alliances, economic aid, nuclear
weapons and proxy wars.
What is meant by Russian “propensity for expansion”?
• It refers to the Soviet Union’s tendency to spread communism and increase control
over other countries.
• After World War II, the USSR controlled several Eastern European countries such as
Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and East Germany.
Extract 1B: Containment, Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan
This extract summarises how the USA tried to stop the spread of communism in Europe.
After World War II, Europe was weak and many countries needed help to rebuild. The
USA feared that poor and unstable countries would turn to communism. President
Truman therefore introduced the Truman Doctrine in 1947. It promised American support
to countries resisting communism.
The USA also introduced the Marshall Plan in 1948. This gave economic aid to European
countries so that they could rebuild their economies. The USA hoped that strong
economies would protect Western Europe from communist influence.
The Soviet Union saw these American policies as a threat. Stalin believed that the USA
was using money and aid to increase its influence in Europe. This deepened the division
between capitalist Western Europe and communist Eastern Europe.
Define containment
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
History
Grade 12 2026
Premlim Exam
Paper 1
This document has been compiled using the following previous papers: DBE preparatory exam 2021. NSC DBE/November 2023, NSC NOVEMBER: HISTORY VR1 | 2021.
E/C DBE SEP P1 2024. E/C DBE SEP P1 2025. GAU_DBE SEP P1 2025.
IMAGES: AI Generated. Based on typical examination questions
Important:
These study notes are revised and updated annually to align with the CAPS curriculum and
current exam requirements. This document is based on past examination papers.
Content was adapted and structured for exam preparation purposes. AI tools were used to
assist with formatting, rephrasing and differentiation.
These notes are designed to help learners:
• Understand key concepts
• Practise exam-style questions
• Identify important themes and patterns in assessments
To ensure learners work with the most relevant and up-to-date content, parents and
learners are encouraged to confirm that they are using the latest version of the notes. If you
are unsure whether you have the latest version, please feel free to contact me at:
Please note that these notes are compiled as a structured study aid for exam preparation
and do not replace the prescribed textbook or classroom instruction. IMAGES: Canva & AI Generated
Good luck: Juffrou Ansie
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, Page 2 of 58
CONTENT
THE ORIGINS OF THE COLD WAR 3
1. HOW DID THE COLD WAR PERIOD SHAPE RELATIONSHIPS AFTER WORLD WAR II? 3
2. HOW DID THE USSR AND THE USA CREATE THEIR SPHERES OF INFLUENCE IN
EUROPE BETWEEN 1945 AND 1949? 6
3. HOW DID BERLIN BECOME A FOCUS OF COLD WAR TENSION BETWEEN THE SOVIET
UNION (USSR) AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) IN 1948? 11
4. HOW DID THE BERLIN WALL INTENSIFY COLD WAR TENSIONS BETWEEN THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) AND THE SOVIET UNION (USSR)? 14
ANGOLA FROM THE 1970s TO THE 1980s 18
1. WHAT WAS THE NATURE OF FOREIGN INVOLVEMENT IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR?
18
2. WHAT FACTORS LED TO THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE THREE NATIONALIST
MOVEMENTS (MPLA, FNLA AND UNITA) IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR IN 1975? 22
3. WHAT IMPACT DID THE BATTLE OF CUITO CUANAVALE HAVE ON SOUTHERN
AFRICA? 25
CIVIL RESISTANCE FROM THE 1950S TO THE 1970S: THE AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS
MOVEMENT 30
1. WHAT CHALLENGES DID THE CIVIL RIGHTS PROTESTERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN
THE FREEDOM RIDES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) ENCOUNTER? 30
2. WHAT IMPACT DID THE GREENSBORO SIT-DOWNS HAVE ON THE CIVIL RIGHTS
MOVEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN THE 1960s? 34
3. HOW DID THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON CONTRIBUTE TO THE END OF
DISCRIMINATION AND SEGREGATION IN AMERICA IN THE 1960s? 37
4. CIVIL RIGHTS PROTESTS FROM THE 1950S TO THE 1970S: THE BLACK POWER
MOVEMENT. 41
5. HOW DID THE BIRMINGHAM CAMPAIGN / CHILDREN’S CRUSADE GAIN PUBLICITY
FOR THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT? 45
ESSAY QUESTIONS 48
1. THE EXPANSION OF THE COLD WAR: CASE STUDY: VIETNAM 49
2. INDEPENDENT AFRICA: THE CONGO 51
3. MOBUTU SESE SEKO’S POLICIES IN THE CONGO AFTER INDEPENDENCE 52
4. CIVIL SOCIETY PROTESTS FROM THE 1950S TO THE 1970S: BLACK POWER
MOVEMENT 54
5. THE BLACK POWER MOVEMENT: RADICAL AND MILITANT STRATEGIES 55
6. THE EXTENSION OF THE COLD WAR: CASE STUDY - VIETNAM 57
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, Page 3 of 58
THE ORIGINS OF THE COLD WAR
HOW DID THE COLD WAR PERIOD SHAPE RELATIONSHIPS AFTER WORLD
WAR II?
NSC NOVEMBER: HISTORY VR1 | 2021
Note to learners:
The extracts in this section are shortened study extracts based on exam-style source
material. Read each extract carefully and answer the questions that follow. You do not
need to look for the original source.
Extract 1A: USA and USSR tension after World War II
This extract summarises why tension developed between the United States and the
Soviet Union after World War II.
During World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union fought together against Nazi
Germany. After the war, their relationship became tense because they followed different
ideologies. The USA supported capitalism and democracy while the USSR supported
communism and one-party rule.
The Americans were suspicious of the Soviet Union because Stalin expanded Soviet
control over Eastern Europe. The Soviet Union was also suspicious of the USA because it
believed America wanted to spread
capitalism and weaken
communism.
American diplomat George Kennan
explained this fear in his Long
Telegram. He argued that the USA
should follow a policy of
containment. This meant that the
USA should stop the spread of
communism by supporting
countries that were threatened by
Soviet influence.
Concerns the Americans had about the USSR
• Americans were suspicious of Soviet communism.
• They feared Stalin’s control over Eastern Europe.
• They believed the Soviet Union wanted to spread communism.
• They feared that Soviet expansion would threaten democracy and capitalism.
The best defence against the Soviet threat
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, Page 4 of 58
• Containment.
• This meant stopping the spread of communism.
Why the USSR resented the USA
• The USA refused to accept the USSR as an equal international power.
• The USA did not trust Soviet communism.
• The USA built up arms and military strength.
• The USA interfered in international affairs to prevent the spread of communism.
The Cold War in historical context
• The Cold War was a state of political tension between the USA and the USSR after
World War II.
• It was called a “cold” war because the two superpowers did not fight each other
directly.
• They competed through propaganda, military alliances, economic aid, nuclear
weapons and proxy wars.
What is meant by Russian “propensity for expansion”?
• It refers to the Soviet Union’s tendency to spread communism and increase control
over other countries.
• After World War II, the USSR controlled several Eastern European countries such as
Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and East Germany.
Extract 1B: Containment, Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan
This extract summarises how the USA tried to stop the spread of communism in Europe.
After World War II, Europe was weak and many countries needed help to rebuild. The
USA feared that poor and unstable countries would turn to communism. President
Truman therefore introduced the Truman Doctrine in 1947. It promised American support
to countries resisting communism.
The USA also introduced the Marshall Plan in 1948. This gave economic aid to European
countries so that they could rebuild their economies. The USA hoped that strong
economies would protect Western Europe from communist influence.
The Soviet Union saw these American policies as a threat. Stalin believed that the USA
was using money and aid to increase its influence in Europe. This deepened the division
between capitalist Western Europe and communist Eastern Europe.
Define containment
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
