Cambridge (CIE) O Level History specification (2147)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level History exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) O Level History specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) O Level History (2147) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge O Level History offers learners the opportunity to study key international events, developments, and figures of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The course aims to foster historical curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to assess evidence and construct logical arguments. Learners explore history from multiple perspectives—political, economic, social, and cultural—developing an appreciation of cause and consequence, change and continuity, and the complexity of historical events. The syllabus also encourages evaluation of sources, promoting a deeper understanding of how history is interpreted and used, preparing students for further study or informed citizenship.
Subject content breakdown
Core Content – Option A: The nineteenth century: the development of modern nation states, 1848–1914
- 1848 revolutions: causes, nature, failure, significance.
- Italian unification: Austrian influence, role of Mazzini, Cavour, Garibaldi, creation of Italy.
- German unification: German nationalism, Bismarck’s role, key wars, formation of German Empire.
- American Civil War: causes, slavery, Lincoln’s role, reasons for Northern victory, aftermath.
- Imperialism: motives, European models in Africa, British rule in India, US imperialism in Cuba/Philippines.
- Causes of First World War: alliances, diplomacy, colonial rivalries, Balkan crises, assassination of Franz Ferdinand.
Core Content – Option B: The twentieth century: international relations since 1919
- Treaty of Versailles: aims of Big Three, terms, impact on Germany, contemporary views.
- League of Nations: organisation, peacekeeping, humanitarian work, impact of Depression, key crises.
- Hitler’s foreign policy and Second World War: rearmament, Rhineland, appeasement, Nazi–Soviet Pact, war outbreak.
- Cold War origins: breakdown of US–Soviet relations, Soviet expansion, Berlin Blockade, alliances.
- Containment of communism: Korea, Cuba, Vietnam – US reactions and involvement.
- USSR’s control of Eastern Europe: Hungary 1956, Czechoslovakia 1968, Berlin Wall, Solidarity, Gorbachev.
Depth Studies (at least one required)
- The First World War (1914–18): Western Front stalemate, world impact, other fronts, armistice.
- Germany (1918–45): Weimar Republic, rise of Hitler, Nazi regime, Nazi control and impact of WWII.
- Russia (1905–41): fall of Tsarism, Bolshevik rule, Stalin’s rise, dictatorship, economic policies.
- The United States (1919–41): 1920s boom, societal change, Wall Street Crash, New Deal.
- The Second World War in Europe and the Asia–Pacific (1939–c.1945): development of war, civilian impact, resistance, Allied victory.
Historical Skills Developed
- Investigation, analysis, evaluation, and effective communication.
- Understanding and using historical evidence in context.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Structured Questions
- 2 hours, 60 marks, 55% of total.
- Two questions from Core Content (Option A or B).
- One question from chosen Depth Study.
- Structured essays split into parts (a), (b), and (c).
- Tests knowledge (AO1) and explanation (AO2).
Paper 2: Document Questions
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 40 marks, 45% of total.
- One question based on source material from a prescribed topic in Core Content.
- Five-part questions focusing on source evaluation and contextual understanding.
- Tests knowledge (AO1) and source skills (AO3).
- Prescribed topics rotate each year (listed in syllabus).
Assessment Objectives Weighting
- AO1 Knowledge: 28%
- AO2 Explanation and analysis: 36%
AO3 Source evaluation: 36%
- Command words include: Describe, Explain, with phrases like “How far do you agree…?” used.
- Both papers are externally assessed.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level History isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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