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AQA_2024: A-level History - Component 2G
The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801
(Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)
A-level
HISTORY
Component 2G The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801
Friday 7 June 2024 Afternoon Time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes
Materials
For this paper you must have:
an AQA 16-page answer book.
Instructions
Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is
7042/2G.
Answer three questions.
In Section A answer Question 01.
In Section B answer two questions.
Information
The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
The maximum mark for this paper is 80.
You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
Advice
You are advised to spend about:
– 1 hour on Question 01 from Section A
– 45 minutes on each of the two questions answered from Section B.
IB/M/Jun24/7042/2G
, 3
Key areas:
1. Colonial America and Pre-Revolutionary Tensions (1760–1774):
Economic and Social Structure: Colonies had diverse economies, with the South relying on
slavery and agriculture, while the North was more industrialized.
British Policies: The Stamp Act (1765), Townshend Acts (1767), and Tea Act (1773) imposed
taxes on the colonies, leading to protests like the Boston Tea Party (1773).
Colonial Grievances: Colonists resisted taxation without representation, and tensions escalated
with the Intolerable Acts (1774).
2. The American Revolution (1775–1783):
Outbreak of War: The Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775) marked the start of the war. The
Second Continental Congress formed the Continental Army, led by George Washington.
Declaration of Independence (1776): Written by Thomas Jefferson, it declared independence
from Britain.
Victory and Treaty of Paris (1783): The American victory at Yorktown (1781), with French
support, led to the Treaty of Paris, recognizing U.S. independence.
3. The Articles of Confederation and Constitution (1781–1789):
Weak Confederation: The Articles of Confederation created a weak government with no power to
tax or regulate trade, leading to economic and political instability.
Constitutional Convention (1787): The U.S. Constitution was created to establish a stronger
federal government. The Bill of Rights (1791) protected individual freedoms.
4. Washington’s Presidency (1789–1797):
Precedents: Washington set key precedents, including a Cabinet and two-term presidency.
Neutrality: He maintained neutrality in foreign conflicts, particularly between Britain and France.
Domestic Challenges: Washington dealt with challenges like the Whiskey Rebellion (1794) and
the national bank debate.
5. John Adams and Political Development (1797–1801):
Political Parties: The rise of Federalists (Hamilton) and Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson)
created the first political factions.
Adams’ Presidency: Adams faced foreign tensions (e.g., XYZ Affair) and passed the controversial
Alien and Sedition Acts (1798).
These areas focus on key events from colonial discontent to the formation of the U.S. government.
IB/M/Jun24/G4006/E5 7042/2G
IB/M/Jun24/7042/2G Turn over ►
, 4
Section A
Answer Question 01.
Source A
From the report of a meeting of slave owners, 8 November 1785. This meeting was held
to organise opposition to an act to abolish slavery in Virginia.
When the British Parliament took away our rights and property without our consent, we
broke away, and established our own government, so our property might be secure in
the future. We risked our lives and fortunes and because of God’s favor we succeeded
and gained our independence, our rights, and our property. But despite this, there is a
daring attempt by an act of law to take a very important part of our property, our slaves. 5
This proposed new law is unsupported by Scripture, for in the Old Testament, God
permitted slavery. Also, it is unwise for it would cause poverty, distress, and ruin to the
freed slaves; neglect, famine, and death to the young and old; bankruptcy and loss of
credit with foreign nations; and cause a crime wave from a vast mass of unprincipled,
propertyless, and revengeful outlaws. It would ruin our flourishing, free, and happy 10
country.
We solemnly insist and humbly pray for the rejection of any measures to stop slavery.
Source B
From a pamphlet to the people of New York by the Federalist, John Jay,
17 September 1787. This was written during the debate over the new Federal
Constitution.
Friends and Fellow-Citizens: it is a pity we used more care and wisdom when forming our
state governments than in forming the Federal Articles of Confederation. Prior to the
revolution, we did not understand how important national interests were to the
advancement and protection of our country. This narrow mindset has resulted in
disagreement and bitterness between the states over the issue of slavery representation, 5
and if such disharmony continues, it will poison, and destroy America.
Ending slavery would be unwise, and the emancipation of all slaves would be improper.
Instead, gradual freedom might be granted to the more industrious of the slaves, as the
Spaniards and French have done. The man who has worked himself free knows how to
make use of his freedom and becomes a valuable member of society. We must leave it 10
to the wisdom of Congress to do what they consider is right to resolve the disagreements
about slavery which are an obstacle to the future of America.
IB/M/Jun24/7042/2G
AQA_2024: A-level History - Component 2G
The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801
(Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)
A-level
HISTORY
Component 2G The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801
Friday 7 June 2024 Afternoon Time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes
Materials
For this paper you must have:
an AQA 16-page answer book.
Instructions
Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is
7042/2G.
Answer three questions.
In Section A answer Question 01.
In Section B answer two questions.
Information
The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
The maximum mark for this paper is 80.
You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
Advice
You are advised to spend about:
– 1 hour on Question 01 from Section A
– 45 minutes on each of the two questions answered from Section B.
IB/M/Jun24/7042/2G
, 3
Key areas:
1. Colonial America and Pre-Revolutionary Tensions (1760–1774):
Economic and Social Structure: Colonies had diverse economies, with the South relying on
slavery and agriculture, while the North was more industrialized.
British Policies: The Stamp Act (1765), Townshend Acts (1767), and Tea Act (1773) imposed
taxes on the colonies, leading to protests like the Boston Tea Party (1773).
Colonial Grievances: Colonists resisted taxation without representation, and tensions escalated
with the Intolerable Acts (1774).
2. The American Revolution (1775–1783):
Outbreak of War: The Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775) marked the start of the war. The
Second Continental Congress formed the Continental Army, led by George Washington.
Declaration of Independence (1776): Written by Thomas Jefferson, it declared independence
from Britain.
Victory and Treaty of Paris (1783): The American victory at Yorktown (1781), with French
support, led to the Treaty of Paris, recognizing U.S. independence.
3. The Articles of Confederation and Constitution (1781–1789):
Weak Confederation: The Articles of Confederation created a weak government with no power to
tax or regulate trade, leading to economic and political instability.
Constitutional Convention (1787): The U.S. Constitution was created to establish a stronger
federal government. The Bill of Rights (1791) protected individual freedoms.
4. Washington’s Presidency (1789–1797):
Precedents: Washington set key precedents, including a Cabinet and two-term presidency.
Neutrality: He maintained neutrality in foreign conflicts, particularly between Britain and France.
Domestic Challenges: Washington dealt with challenges like the Whiskey Rebellion (1794) and
the national bank debate.
5. John Adams and Political Development (1797–1801):
Political Parties: The rise of Federalists (Hamilton) and Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson)
created the first political factions.
Adams’ Presidency: Adams faced foreign tensions (e.g., XYZ Affair) and passed the controversial
Alien and Sedition Acts (1798).
These areas focus on key events from colonial discontent to the formation of the U.S. government.
IB/M/Jun24/G4006/E5 7042/2G
IB/M/Jun24/7042/2G Turn over ►
, 4
Section A
Answer Question 01.
Source A
From the report of a meeting of slave owners, 8 November 1785. This meeting was held
to organise opposition to an act to abolish slavery in Virginia.
When the British Parliament took away our rights and property without our consent, we
broke away, and established our own government, so our property might be secure in
the future. We risked our lives and fortunes and because of God’s favor we succeeded
and gained our independence, our rights, and our property. But despite this, there is a
daring attempt by an act of law to take a very important part of our property, our slaves. 5
This proposed new law is unsupported by Scripture, for in the Old Testament, God
permitted slavery. Also, it is unwise for it would cause poverty, distress, and ruin to the
freed slaves; neglect, famine, and death to the young and old; bankruptcy and loss of
credit with foreign nations; and cause a crime wave from a vast mass of unprincipled,
propertyless, and revengeful outlaws. It would ruin our flourishing, free, and happy 10
country.
We solemnly insist and humbly pray for the rejection of any measures to stop slavery.
Source B
From a pamphlet to the people of New York by the Federalist, John Jay,
17 September 1787. This was written during the debate over the new Federal
Constitution.
Friends and Fellow-Citizens: it is a pity we used more care and wisdom when forming our
state governments than in forming the Federal Articles of Confederation. Prior to the
revolution, we did not understand how important national interests were to the
advancement and protection of our country. This narrow mindset has resulted in
disagreement and bitterness between the states over the issue of slavery representation, 5
and if such disharmony continues, it will poison, and destroy America.
Ending slavery would be unwise, and the emancipation of all slaves would be improper.
Instead, gradual freedom might be granted to the more industrious of the slaves, as the
Spaniards and French have done. The man who has worked himself free knows how to
make use of his freedom and becomes a valuable member of society. We must leave it 10
to the wisdom of Congress to do what they consider is right to resolve the disagreements
about slavery which are an obstacle to the future of America.
IB/M/Jun24/7042/2G
