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IB Humanities • SL

IB History SL

Use this IB History SL study guide to browse the syllabus topic structure, study materials, and practice resources.

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IB History SL Question Bank

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1 Military Leaders

1.1 Genghis Khan c12001227

1.1.1 Rise to Power
1.1.2 Leadership and Objectives
1.1.3 Reputation and Military Prowess of Genghis Khan
1.1.4 Mongol Military Campaigns
1.1.5 Political and Economic Impact of Genghis Khan's Rule
1.1.6 Social, Cultural, and Religious Impact of Genghis Khan's Reign

1.2 Richard I of England (11731199)

1.2.1 Rise to Power: Richard I of England
1.2.2 Leadership and Objectives of Richard I
1.2.3 Reputation and Military Exploits
1.2.4 Campaigns and Conquests
1.2.5 Political Impact and Challenges
1.2.6 Economic Strategies and Impact of Richard I
1.2.7 Social, Cultural, and Religious Influence

2 Conquest and its Impact

2.1 Final Stages of Muslim Rule in Spain

2.1.1 Political Context in Iberia and Al-Andalus
2.1.2 Social and Economic Context in Late 15th-century Iberia
2.1.3 Religious and Political Motives
2.1.4 The Granada War
2.1.5 Treaty of Granada and Alhambra Decree
2.1.6 Post-conquest Social and Demographic Changes
2.1.7 Religious Persecution and the Spanish Inquisition

2.2 The Conquest of Mexico and Peru (1519–1551)

2.2.1 Motives for Exploration and Conquest
2.2.2 Hernán Cortés and the Aztecs
2.2.3 Francisco Pizarro and the Incas
2.2.4 Key Actors in the Conquests
2.2.5 Social and Economic Impacts of the Conquests
2.2.6 Demographic Changes and Disease
2.2.7 Cultural Impacts of the Conquests

3 The Move to Global War

3.1 Japanese Expansion in East Asia (1931–1941)

3.1.1 Rise of Japanese Nationalism and Militarism
3.1.2 Japanese Domestic Issues (early 20th century)
3.1.3 Political Instability in China
3.1.4 Invasion of Manchuria and Northern China
3.1.5 Sino-Japanese War
3.1.6 Towards World War: Tripartite Pact to Pearl Harbor
3.1.7 League of Nations and the Lytton Report
3.1.8 China's Internal Political Developments

3.2 German and Italian Expansion (1933–1940)

3.2.1 Fascism and Nazism: Ideological Foundations
3.2.2 Domestic Economic Drivers
3.2.3 Diplomatic Alignments and Appeasement
3.2.4 German Challenges to Post-War Settlements
3.2.5 Italian Expansion and Aggression
3.2.6 German Expansion and Pre-War Alliances
3.2.7 International Response to German Aggression
3.2.8 International Response to Italian Aggression
3.2.9 Combined International Response (1940)

4 Rights and Protest

4.1 Civil Rights Movement in the United States (1954–1965)

4.1.1 Racism and Violence in the United States (1954-1965)
4.1.2 Disenfranchisement and Segregation
4.1.3 Economic and Social Discrimination
4.1.4 Non-Violent Protests
4.1.5 Civil Rights Legislation
4.1.6 Key Figures: Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, Lyndon B Johnson
4.1.7 Key Groups in the Civil Rights Movement

4.2 Apartheid South Africa (1948–1964)

4.2.1 Apartheid Legislation
4.2.2 Segregation and Forced Removals
4.2.3 Education and Bantustan System
4.2.4 Non-Violent Protests and the Freedom Charter
4.2.5 Sharpeville Massacre and Armed Struggle
4.2.6 Rivonia Trial
4.2.7 Key Figures: Nelson Mandela, Albert Luthuli
4.2.8 Key Groups in the Anti-Apartheid Movement

5 Conflict and Intervention

5.1 Rwanda (1990–1998)

5.1.1 Origins of Ethnic Tensions
5.1.2 Rise of the Hutu Power Movement
5.1.3 Economic Precursors to Conflict
5.1.4 Rwandan Civil War and Assassinations
5.1.5 Genocide Tactics and Crimes
5.1.6 Global Inaction and Response
5.1.7 Aftermath: Social and Refugee Crisis
5.1.8 Pursuit of Justice
5.1.9 Political and Economic Repercussions

5.2 Kosovo (1989–2002)

5.2.1 Ethnic Tensions and Nationalism
5.2.2 Milosevic and Rugova's Roles in Kosovo
5.2.3 Pre-War Political Developments
5.2.4 Outbreak of Conflict and Atrocities
5.2.5 International Community's Role in the Kosovo Conflict
5.2.6 War's Social and Economic Impact
5.2.7 Post-War Political Landscape

6 Society and Economy (6501400)

6.1 Society and Economy

6.1.1 Social Structures and Systems
6.1.2 Population Dynamics in Medieval Times
6.1.3 Women in Medieval Society
6.1.4 Trade and Economic Integration
6.1.5 Taxation Systems
6.1.6 Travel and Transportation Advances in Medieval Times

6.2 Cultural and Intellectual Developments

6.2.1 Influential Figures
6.2.2 Transmission of Ideas and Cultures
6.2.3 Artistic and Architectural Innovations
6.2.4 Scientific and Technological Progress

6.3 Religion and Society

6.3.1 Religious Institutions' Influence: Genghis Khan and the Rise of the Mongol Empire
6.3.2 Religious Leaders and Governance
6.3.3 Treatment of Religious Minorities
6.3.4 Spread of Major Religions

7 Causes and Effects of Wars (7501500)

7.1 Course Practices and Outcomes

7.1.1 Significant Leaders and Strategies
7.1.2 Resource Mobilisation
7.1.3 Tactics and Warfare Organisation
7.1.4 Women's Roles in Wars

7.2 Effects of Wars

7.2.1 Conquests and Political Changes
7.2.2 Successes and Failures in Peacemaking
7.2.3 Socio-Economic and Cultural Impacts of Wars
7.2.4 Demographic and Population Changes

8 Dynasties and Rulers (7501500)

8.1 Dynasties and Rulers

8.1.1 Nature of Dynastic Power
8.1.2 Aims and Achievements of Rulers
8.1.3 Legitimisation of Rule
8.1.4 Consolidation and Maintenance of Power
8.1.5 Dynastic Expansion and Methods

8.2 Law, Governing Institutions, and Administration

8.2.1 Evolution of Government Structures
8.2.2 Administration of Law and Justice
8.2.3 Duties and Roles of Officials

8.3 Challenges to Dynastic Rule

8.3.1 Analysis of Dynastic Successes and Failures
8.3.2 Nature of Internal and External Challenges
8.3.3 Handling of Rebellions and Opposition
8.3.4 Rivalries and Succession Issues

9 Societies in Transition (14001700)

9.1 Social and Economic Change

9.1.1 Evolution of Social Structures
9.1.2 Population Dynamics
9.1.3 Minority and Indigenous Peoples
9.1.4 Economic Transformations

9.2 Cultural and Intellectual Change

9.2.1 Cultural Movements
9.2.2 Cross-Cultural Exchanges
9.2.3 Scientific and Technological Progress

10 Early Modern States (14501789)

10.1 Nature of Power and Rule

10.1.1 States in Ascendancy
10.1.2 States in Decline
10.1.3 Governance Models
10.1.4 Individual Rulers

10.2 Expansion

10.2.1 Territorial Ambitions
10.2.2 Colonial Endeavours
10.2.3 Imperial Aspirations

10.3 Conflicts and Challenges

10.3.1 Internal Power Dynamics
10.3.2 External Rivalries
10.3.3 Colonial Resistance
10.3.4 Succession Challenges

11 Causes and Effects of Early Modern Wars (15001750)

11.1 Causes of Conflicts

11.1.1 Ideological Causes of Conflicts
11.1.2 Economic Causes
11.1.3 Religious Causes
11.1.4 Political Causes

11.2 Practices and Impact on Outcome

11.2.1 Role of Leaders
11.2.2 Mobilisation of Resources
11.2.3 Warfare Organisation
11.2.4 Technological Advancements
11.2.5 Foreign Involvement

11.3 Effects

11.3.1 Peacemaking Efforts
11.3.2 Economic Impact of War
11.3.3 Social Impact
11.3.4 Religious Impact of Wars

12 Origins, Development and Impact of Industrialisation (17502005)

12.1 The Origins of Industrialisation

12.1.1 Preconditions for Industrialisation
12.1.2 Colonialism and Global Trade
12.1.3 Political Stability and Governmental Policies
12.1.4 Role of Agriculture

12.2 Key Developments and Their Impact

12.2.1 Evolution of Transportation
12.2.2 Energy Transitions
12.2.3 Consumer Goods and Lifestyle Changes
12.2.4 The Factory System and Labour Relations
12.2.5 The Digital Revolution and Globalisation

12.3 Social and Political Impact

12.3.1 Migration and Urban Growth
12.3.2 Workers' Rights and Social Movements
12.3.3 Industrialisation and Democracy
12.3.4 Public Health and Life Expectancy

13 Independence Movements (18002000)

13.1 Origins and Rise of Independence Movements

13.1.1 Nationalism's Influence: Genghis Khan and the Rise of Mongol Nationalism
13.1.2 Political Ideologies' Impact on Independence Movements
13.1.3 Role of Religion and Race in Independence Movements
13.1.4 Socio-economic Grievances
13.1.5 Wars as Catalysts
13.1.6 Other Internal and External Factors

13.2 Methods Used and Reasons for Success

13.2.1 Violent vs Non-violent Methods
13.2.2 Leadership Dynamics
13.2.3 International Politics and Solidarity
13.2.4 Economic Pressures and Colonial Decline

13.3 Challenges and Responses Post-independence

13.3.1 Political Stability and Factionalism
13.3.2 Ethnic, Racial, and Separatist Movements
13.3.3 Socio-economic Reconstruction
13.3.4 Cultural Identity and Legacy of Colonialism
13.3.5 Effectiveness of Responses and Long-term Impact

14 Emergence and Development of Democratic States (18482000)

14.1 Emergence of Democratic States

14.1.1 Preconditions for Democratic Reform
14.1.2 Leadership in Democratic Transitions
14.1.3 Formation and Role of Political Parties
14.1.4 Crafting of Constitutions
14.1.5 Electoral Systems and Fairness

14.2 Development of Democratic States

14.2.1 Influences on Democratic Evolution
14.2.2 Responses to Domestic Crises
14.2.3 Suffrage Movements
14.2.4 Civil Protests and Movements

14.3 Aims and Results of Policies

14.3.1 Education and Social Welfare Policies
14.3.2 Policies Towards Women and Minorities
14.3.3 Wealth Distribution and Economic Policies
14.3.4 Cultural Impact and Freedom of Expression

15 Authoritarian States (20th Century)

15.1 Emergence of Authoritarian States

15.1.1 Economic Factors in Emergence
15.1.2 Social Divisions and War Impact
15.1.3 Weakness of Political Systems
15.1.4 Role of Propaganda and Force in Authoritarian States

15.2 Consolidation and Maintenance of Power

15.2.1 Legal Methods of Power Consolidation
15.2.2 Use of Force and Charismatic Leadership
15.2.3 Treatment of Opposition
15.2.4 Foreign Policy and Power Maintenance

15.3 Aims and Results of Policies

15.3.1 Economic and Political Policies
15.3.2 Cultural and Social Policies
15.3.3 Policies on Women and Minorities
15.3.4 Control and Compliance Measures

16 Causes and Effects of 20th Century Wars

16.1 Causes of War

16.1.1 Economic Causes of War
16.1.2 Ideological Causes
16.1.3 Political Causes of War
16.1.4 Territorial Causes
16.1.5 Short-term Causes
16.1.6 Long-term Causes of War

16.2 Practices of War and Their Impact on the Outcome

16.2.1 Civil Wars: The Rise of Genghis Khan and the Unification of the Mongol Tribes
16.2.2 Wars Between States
16.2.3 Guerrilla Wars
16.2.4 Technological Developments in Warfare
16.2.5 Human and Economic Mobilisation in War
16.2.6 Foreign Powers' Influence

16.3 Effects of War

16.3.1 Successes/Failures of Peacemaking
16.3.2 Territorial Changes
16.3.3 Political Impact
16.3.4 Economic Impact of Wars
16.3.5 Social/Demographic Impact of War

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

17.1 Rivalry, Mistrust and Accord

17.1.1 Origins of the Cold War
17.1.2 Emergence of Superpower Rivalry in Europe and Asia (1943–1949)
17.1.3 Superpower Relations and Détente (1947–1979)
17.1.4 End of the Cold War (1980–1991)

17.2 Leaders and Nations

17.2.1 Impact of Leaders on the Cold War
17.2.2 Social and Cultural Impact of the Cold War
17.2.3 Economic Impact of the Cold War on Different Regions

17.3 Cold War Crises

17.3.1 Case Studies: European Crises
17.3.2 Case Studies: Asian Crises
17.3.3 Case Studies: Crises in the Americas
17.3.4 Case Studies: Middle Eastern and African Crises
Overview

Course overview

How to study IB History SL

IB History SL is a comparative, multi-perspective world history course built around accurate evidence, historical concepts, source analysis, and sustained argument. The topic structure below supports the course whose final assessment is in 2027. SL focuses on a prescribed subject, world history topics, and the historical investigation. A redesigned course is first assessed in 2028; students in that cohort should use the new official guide rather than treating the two syllabuses as interchangeable.

Evidence with purpose

Select dates, policies, people, events, and statistics because they test a claim, comparison, or judgement—not simply because they are memorable.

Sources and perspectives

Connect a source's content and context with its value, limitations, representativeness, and relationship to other interpretations.

Analytical argument

Organise essays around the command term, weigh factors and perspectives, and use chronology to support explanation rather than replace it.

Assessment at a glance

The structure below applies to IB History SL candidates in the course whose final assessment is in 2027. The redesigned course first assessed in 2028 uses a different syllabus and revised paper durations, so confirm your examination session with your school.

ComponentFormatWeighting
Paper 11 hour; source-based paper on the prescribed subjects30%
Paper 21 hour 30 minutes; essay paper on the world history topics45%
Internal assessment20 teaching hours; individual historical investigation25%

Sources: official IB History SL subject brief (final assessment 2027) and official IB History subject brief (first assessment 2028).

Revision plan

  1. 1.Confirm whether your examination session follows the final-2027 course or the redesigned first-assessment-2028 course.
  2. 2.Turn every selected topic into causation, consequence, comparison, continuity, change, significance, and perspective questions.
  3. 3.Build compact evidence banks under competing arguments and practise retrieving precise examples without a chronological prompt.
  4. 4.Alternate timed source work with essay plans and full responses, recording gaps in evidence, analysis, and judgement.

Exam strategy

Read the command term, define the scope, and commit to a defensible line of argument. Use specific evidence to explain and evaluate rather than narrate. For source work, combine content and context; for essays, compare factors and perspectives before reaching a qualified judgement.

Practise IB History SL questions

Frequently asked questions

Which syllabus does this IB History SL topic guide follow?

The topic structure on this page follows the IB History course whose final assessment is in 2027. The redesigned History course is first assessed in 2028, so students should confirm their examination session before using a syllabus checklist.

What does IB History SL cover for the 2027 examination session?

SL students study one prescribed subject, two world history topics, and complete a historical investigation.

How is IB History SL assessed for the final 2027 session?

SL assessment consists of Paper 1 worth 30%, Paper 2 worth 45%, and the historical investigation worth 25%.

What changes for the IB History course first assessed in 2028?

The redesigned course is organised around focused study, thematic study, a regional study at HL, and the historical investigation. Paper 1 and Paper 2 become longer, while HL retains Paper 3. Students taking exams in 2028 or later should use the new official subject brief and their school's course plan.

How should I revise for IB History SL?

Organise evidence by argument rather than chronology alone. Practise source analysis, comparison, causation, consequence, continuity, change, significance, and perspectives, then apply precise evidence under timed conditions.