Examine the cultural impact of the Cold War on two countries, each chosen from a different region.

This question gives an opportunity for study of a wide range of Cold War influences. Popular culture will probably provide the main focus, but sport and other cultural forms may also be discussed.

Indicative content

• The US will be a popular choice, and candidates may analyse the impact of McCarthyism on the film industry and the prevalence of spy movies, novels and television programmes which portrayed the Russians as the enemy. For example, the James Bond movies reflected and re-enforced Cold War stereotypes.
• In Russia, films glorified the Soviet way of life although after the death of Stalin, there was less popular demonization of the West.
• Culture was used as propaganda: communist states sent their best ballet companies, symphony orchestras and folk ensembles to the West, while jazz artists, for example, visited the USSR.
• Sport, an aspect of popular culture, was also used to promote the capitalist and communist ways of life. Even the poorer countries devoted resources to the training of athletes to succeed in international arenas such as the Olympic Games.
• The impact of the Cold War on popular music may be mentioned. The Vietnam War, for example, inspired protest songs written by Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Joan Baez.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]