IB History Topics by Exam Board: Full List

Studying IB History can feel overwhelming. With a huge range of topics, differing content in Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), and the pressure of multiple exams, it’s easy to get lost and not know where to focus your energy. Many students struggle to understand exactly what they need to study and how to tackle such a demanding syllabus.

As a History teacher with over a decade of experience working in education, I’ve supported countless students through this exact challenge. In this guide, I’ll break down the IB History syllabus, the exam structure, and the key topics you'll need to master. Let’s simplify things so you can study smarter and feel confident going into your exams.

IB History Topics

The IB History syllabus is divided into:

1. Prescribed subjects

   • Wider, thematic studies

   • A comparison of two case studies taken from two different regions of the world

2. World history topics

   • Chronologically-ordered breadth studies

   • Must contain examples from more than one region of the world

3. Depth studies 

   • A complete, historical study of a specified region of the world

4. Historical investigation

   • Internal assessment

Prescribed subjects (SL and HL)

Both SL and HL students must study one of the following prescribed subjects:

1. Military Leaders

This subject looks at the roles and strategies of key military leaders throughout history. You will examine how their leadership impacted major historical events, from wars to revolutions.

2. Conquest and its Impact

In this section, you’ll study the causes of historical conquests and their long-lasting effects on societies, economies, and cultures across the globe.

3. The Move to Global War

This topic focuses on the political, social, and economic causes that led to major global conflicts, with an emphasis on the period before World War I and World War II.

4. Rights and Protest

You will have a chance to investigate civil rights movements and protests that shaped modern societies. The focus will be on the individuals and events that played significant roles in advancing human rights.

5. Conflict and Intervention

This topic examines the causes of conflict and international interventions. You will study efforts made by world powers to mediate or intervene in significant global conflicts.

World History Topics (SL and HL)

Both SL and HL students must study two of the following world history topics:

1. Society and Economy (750–1400)

If you look at this topic, you will study the development of societies and economies from 750 to 1400, focusing on key changes that influenced the global world, including trade routes and the spread of religions.

2. Causes and Effects of Wars (750–1500)

You will explore the causes of wars from 750 to 1500 and the effects they had on the societies involved, including the political, social, and economic impacts.

3. Dynasties and Rulers (750–1500)

Here, you will examine important dynasties and rulers who shaped political landscapes between 750 and 1500, including their strategies for maintaining power.

4. Societies in Transition (1400–1700)

This topic focuses on the period of transition from 1400 to 1700, looking at social, political, and religious changes that shaped the modern world.

5. Early Modern States (1450–1789)

You will have a chance to investigate the development of early modern states, including the rise of absolute monarchies and the early stages of constitutional governments.

6. Causes and Effects of Early Modern Wars (1500–1750)

If your school opts for this one, you will delve into wars during the early modern period, looking at their causes, major battles, and the long-term consequences on global politics.

7. Origins, Development, and Impact of Industrialization (1750–2005)

 If you're exploring this topic, you will learn about the origins and effects of the Industrial Revolution, focusing on how industrialization transformed societies and economies worldwide.

8. Independence Movements (1800–2000)

This topic examines the struggles for independence across the globe during the 19th and 20th centuries, focusing on key movements and figures that fought for freedom from colonial rule.

9. Emergence and Development of Democratic States (1848–2000)

In this section, you will assess the rise of democratic governments, focusing on revolutions and reforms that led to the creation of democratic states in Europe and beyond.

10. Authoritarian States (20th Century)

This topic looks at the rise of authoritarian regimes in the 20th century, with a focus on key figures such as Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, and the political and social consequences of their rule.

11. Causes and Effects of 20th-Century Wars

You have the chance to explore the causes of major 20th-century wars, including World War I, World War II, and conflicts like the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and their global impacts.

12. The Cold War: Superpower Tensions and Rivalries (20th Century)

Selecting this option will allow you to study the ideological and political rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, including key events like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the arms race.

Depth Studies (HL Only)

HL students must also study one of the following Depth Studies:

1. History of Africa and the Middle East

2. History of the Americas

3. History of Asia and Oceania

4. History of Europe

These Depth Studies offer a more detailed exploration of a specific region’s history, giving students a chance to dive deeper into the political, economic, and social contexts of the region.

Historical investigation (SL and HL)

You must write an essay no more than 2,200 words long about a topic of your choice, providing an opportunity to apply historical inquiry skills in a focused way. The selected topic must be: 

• historical in nature

• not focus on events that have occurred in the last 10 years

Your teacher will guide you through the planning and research process and mark your final draft. An external moderator will also grade your work to ensure accurate marking.

What is Covered in IB History Papers?

Paper 1

Weight: 30% (SL), 20% (HL)

Format: This paper assesses your ability to interpret and analyse sources related to the prescribed subjects. You will be asked to answer source-based questions, which may require critical evaluation and comparison of sources.

Paper 2

Weight: 45% (SL), 25% (HL)

Format: You will answer essay-based questions focused on the world history topics. You are required to synthesise knowledge from your studies to write clear, well-supported essays that demonstrate your understanding and critical analysis of historical events.

Paper 3 (HL Only)

Weight: 35% (HL only)

Format: HL students will answer essay questions based on one of the depth studies. This paper requires you to engage deeply with a specific region's history and apply your knowledge in a focused manner.

Internal Assessment: Historical Investigation

Weight: 25% (SL), 20% (HL)

Format: Both SL and HL students must complete a historical investigation. This involves researching and writing about a historical topic of your choice. You will be assessed on: 

• selecting and analysing appropriate primary and secondary sources.

• structuring your argument academically, using evidence to support your ideas.

• reflecting on the challenges faced by historians and by yourself in researching the topic.

• using a logical structure and properly citing your historical sources.

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References

History in the DP - International Baccalaureate®

History-sl-2020-eng.pdf

history-hl-2020-eng.pdf

7.-Internal-Assessment.pdf