Wales in the early to mid-twentieth century c.1914–c.1959 WJEC GCSE

School History > WJEC GCSE > Wales in the early to mid-twentieth century c.1914–c.1959 WJEC GCSE

Teach any WJEC GCSE Wales in the early to mid-twentieth century c.1914–c.1959, no prep needed!

Do you want to save dozens of hours in time? Get your evenings and weekends back? Be fully prepared to teach any WJEC GCSE topic?

Every WJEC topic is covered, and each module comes complete with:

Scheme of Work

Teachers Workflow Checklist

Exam Booklets (2020 Syllabus)

PowerPoint Presentations

Student Assessments

Quiz Questions

Subscribe to Download →

Download free samples

sh-study

WJEC GCSE Wales in the early to mid-twentieth century c.1914–c.1959

Written examination: 1 hour 30% of qualification 60 marks 

Unit 1: An in-depth study on Welsh history

Learners will study one of the following six historical topics to undertake an in-depth study that will provide them with an insight into the development of Wales at a specific point in time. Each option will be assessed by compulsory questions. These will focus on
historical knowledge of the topic, second-order historical concepts and the
analysis and evaluation of historical sources and interpretations.

Learners will study one of six historical topics to undertake an in-depth study that will provide them with an insight into the development of Wales at a specific point in time. Learners should be able demonstrate skills of analysis and evaluation when engaging with sources that relate to the selected historical topic and historical interpretations that encompass contrasting views of events and people.

Learners should also be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of the following
historical concepts in the context of their chosen historical topic:
• continuity and change
• similarity and difference
• significance and impact
• cause and consequence.

Modern

Wales in the early to mid-twentieth century c.1914–c.1959

In this topic learners will gain knowledge and understanding in the following areas:

1.6.1 The impact of the First World War, and its aftermath, on Welsh society
1.6.2 Life in Wales during the Depression
1.6.3 Wales in the Second World War
1.6.4 Political developments in Wales by the 1950s
1.6.5 Developments in Welsh society by the 1950s

with the aim of developing their understanding of how the lives of people in Wales changed across the period from c.1914 to c.1959.

Content and Amplification

Background: Wales at the start of the twentieth century

Learners should be aware of:

  • the importance of industry to the economy of Wales at the start of the 20th century, including coal mining and the steel industry
  • influences on the changing lives of the people of Wales at the start of the 20th century, including the campaign for women’s suffrage and the impact of migration.

1.6.1 The impact of the First World War, and its aftermath, on Welsh society

  • The influence of the First World War on life in Wales, including:
    • the Home Front in Wales during the War
    • conscientious objectors and pacifism
  • Changes in the lives of women, including:
    • the role of Welsh women in the First World War
    • women’s lives in Wales in the 1920s
  • Racial tensions in South Wales, including:
    • the 1919 South Wales Race Riots
    • the response of the authorities to the riots.

1.6.2 Life in Wales during the Depression

  • Reasons for the Depression in Wales including:
    • the decline in the traditional industries of coal and iron
    • the impact of the Wall Street Crash, 1929, on industry
  • The impact of the Depression on the people of Wales, including:
    • poverty, the dole, the Means Test and hunger marches from the Rhondda
    • unemployment and emigration from Wales
  • How Wales responded to the Depression, including:
    • the Special Areas Act, the Treforest Industrial Estate and the growth of light industry
    • increasing leisure opportunities, tourism, sport, radio and cinema.

1.6.3 Wales in the Second World War

  • Life on the Home Front in Wales, including:
    • the impact of rationing
    • the stationing of US GIs in Wales
  • Welsh women in the Second World War, including:
    • the Auxiliary Forces and the Women’s Voluntary Service
    • working in munitions factories and the Women’s Land Army
  • The impact of aerial warfare on Wales, including:
    • the experience of evacuees and host families in Wales
    • the bombing of Cardiff, Swansea and Pembroke Dock.

1.6.4 Political developments in Wales by the 1950s

  • The impact of the 1945 Labour election victory on Wales, including:
    • nationalisation of key industries including coal and steel
    • Aneurin Bevan and the establishment of the NHS in 1948
  • Developments in the recognition of Wales within the United Kingdom, including:
    • Cardiff becoming the capital in 1955
    •  the adoption of the ‘Y Ddraig Goch’ flag in 1959
  • The influence of Welsh nationalism, including:
    • increasing support for Plaid Cymru
    • Gwynfor Evans and the campaign against the flooding of the Tryweryn valley.

1.6.5 Developments in Welsh society by the 1950s

  • How the lives of people in Wales changed in the 1950s, including:
    • changes in the lives of women at home and at work
    • teenagers and the development of youth culture
  • The experience of immigrants to Wales, including:
    • the Welsh Windrush generation and post-war rebuilding
    • the multi-racial community of Tiger Bay
  • The influence of changes in leisure opportunities on the lives of people in Wales, including:
    • the impact of television
    • the growth of tourism.

References for Wales in the early to mid-twentieth century c.1914–c.1959

Resource Examples For Wales in the early to mid-twentieth century c.1914–c.1959

Click any of the example images below to view a larger version.

Lesson Presentation:

Student Assessments: