History
Elective Unit
Subject Description
In Year 9 History students study the making of the modern world from 1750 to 1918. This was a period of Empire building, industrialisation and rapid change in the ways people lived, worked and thought. It was an era of nationalism, colonialism and imperialism, and expansion by European powers, which had significant effects on people for the people of the Qing Dynasty in China and Aboriginal Peoples in Australia. The study culminates with World War I (1914–1918), the “war to end all wars”.
An overview of the study of the making of the modern world requires students to develop an understanding of the context and chronology of the period, and the broad patterns of historical continuity and change from 1750 to 1918, such as European Empire building, imperial expansion and the movement of peoples within and between countries, the transatlantic slave trade and the impact this had on many continents. This included the impact of the British Empire in and on China from 1839 to 1901 which was profound, and was characterised by military domination, economic exploitation through the opium trade, and the forced dismantling of Chinese sovereignty through "unequal treaties". Students are introduced to the significant economic, social and political ideas that developed and caused change for groups and individuals in societies.
In Year 9, students study The Industrial Revolution and movement of peoples (1750–1900), China from (1839 to 1901), Australia (1750–1913) and Australians at War (1914–1918).
By the end of Year 9, students explain the historical significance of the period of the early modern world up to 1918. They explain the causes and effects of events, developments, turning points or movements globally, in Australia and in relation to the First World War. They describe the social, cultural, economic and/or political aspects related to the changes and continuities in a society or a historical period. Students explain the role of significant ideas, individuals, groups and institutions connected to the developments of this period and their influences on the historical events.
Students develop and modify questions about the past to inform historical inquiry. They locate, select and compare primary and secondary sources, and use information in sources as evidence in historical inquiry. They explain the origin, content, context and purpose of primary and secondary sources. Students compare sources to determine the accuracy, usefulness and reliability of sources as evidence. They explain causes and effects, and patterns of continuity and change connected to a period, event or movement. Students compare perspectives of significant events and developments and explain the factors that influence these perspectives. They analyse different and contested historical interpretations. Students use historical knowledge, concepts and terms to develop descriptions, explanations and historical arguments that acknowledge evidence from sources.
Assessment
- Evaluation of historical sources, test: The Industrial Revolution 1750 - 1900
- Evaluation of written sources, test: China 1839 - 1901
- Research - in class essay: WWI 1914 - 1918
