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Table of Contents
Paper 2: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88 – Predicted Topics & Revision Guide
The Anglo-Saxon and Norman England unit is packed with battles, power struggles, and major changes in England’s society, government, and Church. It’s one of the most fascinating parts of Edexcel GCSE History, but with so many events and names to remember, revision can feel overwhelming.
Our 2025 predicted topics highlight the areas we think are most likely to appear, helping you revise effectively and feel confident in your exam.
📍 Harold Godwinson’s Embassy to Normandy
Harold Godwinson, the Earl of Wessex, was sent on an embassy to Normandy in 1064.
He was possibly sent by King Edward the Confessor to confirm William of Normandy as his successor (although historians debate this).
While in Normandy, Harold was captured by Count Guy of Ponthieu and later handed over to William.
Harold swore an oath of loyalty to William, which William later used to claim that Harold had betrayed him by taking the English throne in 1066.
🔍 Why is this important?
It was one of the key causes of the Norman Conquest.
William used Harold’s oath-breaking as justification for invading England in 1066.
It raises questions about whether Harold was forced to swear loyalty or if he did it willingly.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about the significance of Harold’s embassy, explain how William used it as evidence that Harold was a usurper.
🏰 The Submission of the Earls to William in 1066
After William won the Battle of Hastings (14th October 1066), he still had to secure England.
He marched through Kent and the south-east, taking key towns and securing supplies.
The most powerful Anglo-Saxon earls, Edwin (Earl of Mercia) and Morcar (Earl of Northumbria), submitted to William at Berkhamsted in December 1066.
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The earls submitted because:
They lacked a strong leader after Harold’s death.
William controlled key locations, including Dover and London.
They feared further destruction after William’s brutal tactics in the south.
🔍 Why is this important?
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the submission of the earls was important, explain how William used military strength and intimidation to secure power.
⛪ How and Why the Church in England Changed After 1066
Before 1066:
The Anglo-Saxon Church was powerful and independent.
Bishops were often wealthy nobles and played a role in politics.
The Pope had little direct control over England’s Church.
Changes After 1066:
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Normanisation of the Church:
Archbishop Stigand was replaced by Lanfranc in 1070, bringing the Church under Norman control.
Many Anglo-Saxon bishops were replaced with Normans.
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Stronger control from Rome:
Papal authority increased, meaning the Pope had more influence.
Clergy had to swear loyalty to the king, making William more powerful.
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Changes in Church buildings:
🔍 Why is this important?
William used the Church to strengthen his rule, ensuring it supported him rather than Anglo-Saxon leaders.
It helped spread Norman culture and power across England.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why William changed the Church, explain how it helped him control England by removing Anglo-Saxon influence.
⚔️ The Threat Posed by Anglo-Saxon Resistance (1068–71)
William faced major rebellions after 1066, showing that his control was not guaranteed.
🔹 1068: Rebellion of Edwin and Morcar
🔹 1069: Uprising in the North
A rebellion in York was supported by Danish Vikings.
William responded with brutal force, leading to the Harrying of the North (1069–70).
🔹 1070–71: Hereward the Wake and Ely
Hereward the Wake led resistance in the Fens, working with the Danes.
The rebellion was crushed when the Danes abandoned the cause.
🔍 Why is this important?
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why Anglo-Saxon resistance failed, mention William’s military strength, use of castles, and brutal tactics.
👑 Comparing William’s Royal Power to an Anglo-Saxon King
Relied on earls for support – power was more balanced. |
Much stronger control – earls were replaced with Normans. |
No castles – local lords controlled their land freely. |
Built castles to dominate the population. |
Laws based on Anglo-Saxon traditions. |
Laws introduced feudal control (e.g., the Domesday Book). |
The Church had some independence. |
William controlled the Church by replacing Anglo-Saxon bishops. |
🔍 Why is this important?
William created a stronger, more centralised monarchy, reducing the power of earls.
The feudal system meant that land and military service were directly linked to the king.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked to compare William’s power to an Anglo-Saxon king, focus on military control, landownership, and Church influence.
Paper 2: Henry VIII and His Ministers, 1509–40 – Predicted Topics & Revision Guide
Henry VIII’s reign (1509–40) was a period of dramatic change in England, marked by power struggles, religious upheaval, and political reform. This unit of Edexcel GCSE History focuses on Henry’s key ministers – Cardinal Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell – and the changes they brought to England.
With so many key events to cover, it’s important to revise strategically. Our 2025 predicted topics focus on the areas we think are most likely to come up, helping you revise smarter and feel confident in your exam.
📍 The Amicable Grant (1525)
The Amicable Grant was a tax introduced by Cardinal Wolsey to fund Henry VIII’s war with France.
It was supposed to be a "gift" to the king, but in reality, it was a forced loan that people had to pay.
The tax was deeply unpopular, and in 1525, there were rebellions in Suffolk and other areas.
Henry VIII was forced to cancel the tax, and Wolsey’s authority was damaged.
🔍 Why is this important?
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the Amicable Grant failed, mention:
✅ It was introduced without Parliament’s approval
✅ Ordinary people could not afford it
✅ Rebellions forced Henry to back down
⛪ John Fisher’s Opposition to the Reformation
John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, was one of the most outspoken critics of Henry’s Reformation.
He believed that Henry had no right to break with the Pope and argued that the Pope’s authority should remain in England.
In 1534, he refused to swear the Oath of Supremacy, which recognised Henry as the head of the Church of England.
As a result, Fisher was executed for treason in 1535.
🔍 Why is this important?
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about opposition to the Reformation, include Fisher and explain how Henry used execution to silence critics.
🛐 The Reasons for Henry’s Decision to Break with Rome
Henry VIII’s decision to break with Rome (1534) was driven by a mix of personal, political, and financial reasons:
Marriage |
Henry wanted to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, but the Pope refused. |
Heir |
Henry desperately needed a male heir to secure the Tudor dynasty. |
Power |
Henry wanted to be supreme ruler of England, free from papal influence. |
Money |
By breaking with Rome, Henry could take wealth from the Church. |
🔍 Why is this important?
The Break with Rome led to huge religious and political changes in England.
Henry gained more power, but also created religious division.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why Henry broke with Rome, explain multiple reasons (not just his marriage!) and link them together.
🌍 The Success of Wolsey’s Foreign Policy
Cardinal Wolsey (1515–29) was responsible for Henry VIII’s foreign policy, but how successful was he?
Make England a major European power |
Treaty of London (1518) – a peace agreement between European nations |
England was a small power compared to France & Spain |
Win victories in war |
Captured Tournai & Thérouanne in France (1513) |
Henry had to abandon his French campaigns due to lack of money |
Maintain good relations with France & Spain |
Field of the Cloth of Gold (1520) – a meeting between Henry & Francis I of France |
Achieved nothing significant – war broke out soon after |
🔍 Why is this important?
Wolsey was skilled in diplomacy, but England lacked the money and power to dominate Europe.
His failures in foreign policy contributed to his fall from power in 1529.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about Wolsey’s foreign policy, give a balanced answer – he had some successes, but England remained weak compared to other countries.
🏛 Parliament and Cromwell’s Changes to Government
When Thomas Cromwell became Henry’s chief minister (1532–40), he transformed government in England.
🔹 Cromwell’s Key Changes
1️⃣ The Act of Supremacy (1534) – Made Henry Head of the Church of England.
2️⃣ The Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536–40) – Closed monasteries and took their wealth.
3️⃣ Reform of Government – Power shifted from the king’s household to central government and Parliament.
🔍 Why is this important?
Cromwell’s reforms gave Parliament more power, making England more centrally governed.
The Dissolution of the Monasteries changed England’s religious landscape forever.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about Cromwell’s impact, explain how he strengthened Henry’s rule and made government more efficient.
Paper 2: Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88 – Predicted Topics & Revision Guide
The Early Elizabethan England unit covers one of the most fascinating periods in British history, filled with religious conflict, political conspiracies, rebellions, and changes in society. Elizabeth I’s reign (1558–1603) shaped England’s future, but her early years were particularly challenging as she faced threats from home and abroad.
With so many key events to remember, smart revision is essential. Our 2025 predicted topics highlight the areas we think are most likely to come up, helping you revise effectively and feel confident in your exam.
📍 The Ridolfi Plot (1571)
The Ridolfi Plot was a Catholic conspiracy to overthrow Elizabeth I and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots.
Roberto Ridolfi, an Italian banker, planned the plot with Mary, Queen of Scots, Philip II of Spain, and the Duke of Norfolk.
The plan was for Spanish forces to invade England, support a Catholic uprising, and put Mary on the throne.
The plot failed because Elizabeth’s spies uncovered it, and the Duke of Norfolk was executed in 1572.
🔍 Why is this important?
Shows the constant Catholic threats to Elizabeth’s rule.
Increased Elizabeth’s paranoia about Mary, Queen of Scots.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about threats to Elizabeth, compare the Ridolfi Plot with later Catholic plots (e.g., Throckmorton and Babington).
⚔️ Robert Dudley’s Involvement in the Netherlands
In 1585, Elizabeth sent Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, to help Protestant rebels in the Netherlands fight against Spanish rule.
Spain controlled the Netherlands, but Dutch Protestants wanted independence.
Elizabeth officially supported them by signing the Treaty of Nonsuch (1585) and sending English troops led by Dudley.
Dudley’s campaign was unsuccessful – he struggled to control his troops and was eventually recalled in 1587.
🔍 Why is this important?
Increased tensions between England and Spain, helping to trigger the Spanish Armada (1588).
Shows Elizabeth’s cautious foreign policy, as she was reluctant to directly attack Spain.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about England’s foreign policy, link Dudley’s failures in the Netherlands to rising conflict with Spain.
⛪ Religious Challenges Faced by Elizabeth on Her Accession (1558)
When Elizabeth became queen in 1558, England was deeply divided between Catholics and Protestants. She had to find a way to establish religious stability.
🔹 Key Challenges:
1️⃣ Catholic Threats – Many Catholics refused to accept Elizabeth as queen because they saw Mary, Queen of Scots, as the rightful heir.
2️⃣ Puritans (Extreme Protestants) – Puritans wanted further Protestant reforms, such as removing bishops.
3️⃣ Foreign Pressure – Catholic countries like Spain and France were potential threats to Elizabeth’s Protestant rule.
🔹 Elizabeth’s Solution: The Religious Settlement (1559)
Act of Supremacy – Made Elizabeth Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
Act of Uniformity – Introduced a moderate Protestant Church with elements of Catholic tradition to keep both sides happy.
Royal Injunctions – Forced people to attend church or pay a fine.
🔍 Why is this important?
Shows how Elizabeth carefully balanced religion to avoid civil war.
Laid the foundation for the Anglican Church, which still exists today.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about how Elizabeth handled religious challenges, explain how she used compromise to maintain stability.
🏰 Causes of the Revolt of the Northern Earls (1569)
The Revolt of the Northern Earls was an attempt by Catholic nobles to remove Elizabeth and restore Catholic rule.
Led by the Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland, the rebels planned to rescue Mary, Queen of Scots, and overthrow Elizabeth.
However, Elizabeth’s army crushed the rebellion, and Northumberland was executed in 1572.
🔹 Key Causes of the Revolt:
1️⃣ Religion – The Earls were devout Catholics who wanted to restore Catholicism.
2️⃣ Loss of Power – Elizabeth reduced the Earls’ influence in the north, angering them.
3️⃣ Mary, Queen of Scots – The Earls hoped to make Mary Queen of England.
🔍 Why is this important?
This was Elizabeth’s first major rebellion, showing that not all of England supported her rule.
It led to harsher laws against Catholics, making it harder for them to practice their religion.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the rebellion failed, discuss Elizabeth’s strong leadership, lack of foreign support, and poor planning by the Earls.
💰 The Nature and Extent of Change in the Treatment of the Poor
During Elizabeth’s reign, poverty increased significantly, leading to new laws and attitudes towards the poor.
🔹 Reasons for Increased Poverty:
1️⃣ Population Growth – More people = more unemployment.
2️⃣ Enclosure – Landowners fenced off land, reducing farming jobs.
3️⃣ Inflation – Prices of food and goods increased faster than wages.
🔹 Changes in the Treatment of the Poor:
Poor Relief – Local communities collected money to support the poor.
The Poor Laws (1572 & 1601) – Created a national system to support the poor.
Workhouses and Houses of Correction – Provided jobs for the poor but also acted as punishment for beggars.
🔍 Why is this important?
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about the impact of poverty laws, discuss how they were a step forward but still harsh towards beggars.
Paper 2: The American West, c1835–c1895 – Predicted Topics & Revision Guide
The American West unit covers a fascinating and often brutal period in U.S. history, where conflict, expansion, and lawlessness shaped the lives of settlers, Native Americans, and outlaws alike. With so many key events and turning points to remember, structured revision is crucial.
Our 2025 predicted topics focus on the areas we think are most likely to come up, helping you revise smarter and feel confident in your exam.
🌲 The Timber Culture Act (1873)
The Timber Culture Act was passed in 1873 to encourage tree planting on the Great Plains.
Settlers were given 160 acres of land if they agreed to plant 40 acres of trees.
The aim was to help solve the problems of farming in the dry Plains by increasing wood supply for homes and fences.
However, many settlers struggled to grow trees due to the harsh conditions, and the act was often misused by cattle ranchers to claim more land.
🔍 Why is this important?
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about government policies encouraging settlement, compare the Timber Culture Act (1873) with the Homestead Act (1862).
🔫 The Gunfight at the OK Corral (1881)
The gunfight at the OK Corral took place in Tombstone, Arizona, on 26 October 1881.
It was a famous shootout between lawmen (including Wyatt Earp) and a group of outlaws (the Clanton and McLaury brothers).
The gunfight lasted about 30 seconds, but it became legendary in American history.
It symbolised the lawlessness of the West, where disputes were often settled by violence rather than legal processes.
🔍 Why is this important?
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about lawlessness in the West, discuss the role of sheriffs, vigilantes, and famous gunfights like the OK Corral.
🏛 Developments in US Government Policy Towards the Indigenous Peoples of the Plains
The U.S. government’s treatment of Native Americans changed significantly between 1835 and 1895.
🔹 Early Period (1830s–1850s): Indian Removal
🔹 Conflict and War (1860s–1870s): Destruction of Native Life
The Sand Creek Massacre (1864) and Battle of Little Bighorn (1876) highlighted tensions between settlers and Native tribes.
The Dawes Act (1887) tried to assimilate Native Americans by breaking up tribal lands into individual plots.
🔍 Why is this important?
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about government treatment of Native Americans, show how policies changed over time, from removal to forced assimilation.
🐄 Joseph McCoy and the Growth of the Cattle Industry
Joseph McCoy was a key figure in expanding the cattle industry in the 1860s.
He founded Abilene, Kansas (1867) as the first "cow town", where cowboys could drive cattle north to be sold and transported by rail.
He promoted the idea of cattle trails and helped establish the Chisholm Trail, allowing ranchers to sell cattle for a higher price in the East.
🔍 Why is this important?
McCoy helped turn cattle ranching into a major industry.
His work led to conflicts between cattle ranchers, farmers, and Native Americans.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about the cattle industry, explain how McCoy’s ideas helped connect Texas ranches with national markets.
🚶 The Oregon Trail and Migration to the West
The Oregon Trail was the main route settlers took to move west in the 1840s–1860s.
It stretched over 2,000 miles, running from Missouri to Oregon.
Settlers travelled west in wagon trains, facing challenges like disease, attacks, and extreme weather.
🔍 Why is this important?
Helped fulfill Manifest Destiny (the belief that Americans were destined to expand westward).
Increased conflict with Native Americans, as more settlers took over tribal lands.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about migration to the West, explain push factors (overcrowding in the East) and pull factors (land and opportunity in the West).
🚂 Railroads and Lawlessness in the West
The Transcontinental Railroad (completed 1869) linked the East and West, making migration faster and easier.
Railroads helped cattle ranchers, as they could transport meat to cities in the East.
However, they also increased lawlessness, as more people moved west looking for opportunities.
🔹 Railroads and Crime:
Boomtowns sprang up near railway stations, attracting gamblers, thieves, and outlaws.
Train robberies became common – famous outlaws like Jesse James targeted trains carrying gold.
Law enforcement was weak in the West, leading to vigilante justice.
🔍 Why is this important?
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about the impact of railroads, explain both positive (economic growth) and negative (crime, Native displacement) effects.
Paper 2: Superpower Relations and the Cold War, 1941–91 – Predicted Topics & Revision Guide
The Cold War (1941–91) was a period of intense rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union (USSR), shaping global politics for nearly 50 years. It was marked by conflicts, nuclear threats, and shifting alliances, making it one of the most dramatic and complex topics in Edexcel GCSE History.
With so many key events to cover, smart revision is essential. Our 2025 predicted topics focus on the areas we think are most likely to come up, helping you revise effectively and feel confident in your exam
🇭🇺 The Hungarian Uprising (1956)
Background: After Stalin’s death (1953), there was hope for more freedom in Eastern Europe.
Cause: Hungarians resented Soviet control and protested against poor living conditions and lack of political freedom.
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Events:
October 1956 – Hungarian students protested, demanding free elections and withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact.
Imre Nagy became leader and announced Hungary’s withdrawal from the Soviet sphere.
November 1956 – The USSR sent tanks and troops to crush the uprising. Thousands were killed, and Nagy was executed.
Consequence: The West did nothing to help Hungary, showing that the USA would not risk nuclear war to support revolts in Eastern Europe.
🔍 Why is this important?
Proved that Khrushchev (Soviet leader) would not allow Eastern European countries to leave Soviet control.
Showed the limits of US influence – despite supporting democracy, the USA didn’t intervene.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about the Hungarian Uprising, discuss how it strengthened Soviet control in Eastern Europe and proved that Western powers would not directly challenge Soviet authority.
📜 The Helsinki Accords (1975)
The Helsinki Accords were agreements between 35 countries, including the USA and USSR, to improve relations between East and West.
Key Agreements:
1️⃣ Borders were recognised – The USSR’s control of Eastern Europe was accepted.
2️⃣ Human rights – Both sides agreed to respect human rights, including freedom of speech and movement.
3️⃣ Cooperation – Economic and scientific collaboration between the USA and USSR.
🔍 Why is this important?
The USA and USSR appeared to be working together, reducing Cold War tensions.
However, the USSR ignored human rights agreements, leading to continued mistrust between the superpowers.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about détente (the easing of tensions), mention the Helsinki Accords as an example of an attempt to improve relations that ultimately failed.
✈️ The Berlin Crisis of 1948–49 (Berlin Blockade and Airlift)
After WWII, Germany was divided into West Germany (controlled by the USA, Britain, and France) and East Germany (controlled by the USSR).
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Causes of the Berlin Blockade:
The West introduced a new currency, the Deutsche Mark, in West Berlin.
Stalin feared a strong, unified West Germany and wanted to force the Allies out of Berlin.
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Events:
June 1948 – Stalin blocked all road and rail access to West Berlin, cutting off supplies.
The Berlin Airlift (June 1948–May 1949) – The West responded by flying in food, fuel, and medical supplies for nearly a year.
May 1949 – Stalin lifted the blockade, realising it had failed.
🔍 Why is this important?
The first major Cold War conflict, increasing tensions between the USA and USSR.
Led to the formation of NATO (1949), a military alliance against the USSR.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the USA and USSR became rivals, mention the Berlin Blockade as one of the first direct confrontations of the Cold War.
☢️ The Significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
🔍 Why is this important?
Closest the Cold War came to nuclear war – it forced both sides to reconsider their actions.
Led to the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963) and a direct hotline between the White House and Kremlin to improve communication.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about the impact of the Cuban Missile Crisis, discuss how it led to better communication but also increased Soviet determination to match US nuclear power.
🇺🇸 The Significance of the Truman Doctrine (1947)
🔍 Why is this important?
Marked the start of the Cold War – the USA officially committed to stopping Soviet expansion.
Led to the policy of containment, which shaped US foreign policy for decades.
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the Cold War started, mention the Truman Doctrine as the first major anti-communist policy.
🔄 The Significance of Gorbachev’s ‘New Thinking’ (1985–91)
In the 1980s, the USSR was struggling – its economy was weak, and relations with the USA were tense.
Mikhail Gorbachev, leader of the USSR from 1985, introduced "New Thinking" policies:
1️⃣ Glasnost (openness) – More freedom of speech and political discussion.
2️⃣ Perestroika (restructuring) – Economic reforms to allow some private businesses.
3️⃣ Reduced Cold War tensions – Gorbachev met with US President Ronald Reagan and signed nuclear disarmament treaties.
🔍 Why is this important?
📝 Exam Tip: If asked about why the Cold War ended, discuss how Gorbachev’s reforms weakened Soviet control and improved relations with the USA.
