People in History: A named leader in a revolution - Robespierre

Maximilien Robespierre. If you annoyed him,
he'd behead you.

Main page: The French Revolution

The most important figure you'll learn about in the French Revolution (besides King Louis and Marie Antoinette) is Maximilien Robespierre, the man who led the Committee of Public Safety after the revolution. His time in power is known as the Reign of Terror, because it resulted in hundreds of people being executed on suspicion of being against the revolution.

After almost a year, the people of Paris finally overthrew Robespierre and executed him the same way he had executed others - by guillotine.

• Name and introduce the leader. This is a third-person answer, so you start with "Robespierre was..."

• Talk about his background in the revolution. What did he think of the Divine Right of Kings? What was his role in the National Assembly? Who supported him?

• What did he think of King Louis? What did he want to do to the king?

• Robespierre was very popular by now. Don't forget to mention his nickname - "The Incorruptible". Why was this his nickname?

• Now you can mention the Committee of Public Safety. What was it? What work did it do?

• Next, the Reign of Terror. Why did he pass the Law of Suspects? What did it allow him to do? What was the result?

• France was at war with Austria. What did Robespierre do to make France victorious?

• Finally, talk about his downfall. How did he become unpopular? What happened to him?

So, in short...

1. Name and introduce Robespierre.
2. His background in the revolution.
3. What he wanted to do to King Louis.
4. His nickname - "The Incorruptible".
5. The Committee of Public Safety.
6. The Reign of Terror.
7. War with Austria.
8. His downfall.

Don't...

• write in the first person, you're talking about a named person so it's in third person. (He was... etc.)
• write anything irrelevant (unimportant)

People in History: A supporter of a named revolutionary leader

Main page: 
The American Revolution 
The French Revolution
The Irish 1798 Rebellion

Sometimes asked as: "A person fighting in a revolution (in France, Ireland or America) during the Age of Revolutions".
 

Soldiers fighting in Ireland in 1798.

This People in History question might seem tricky, but it's actually quite easy. You've probably picked one of the three revolutions (America, France or Ireland) you're going to write your People in History answer on. So, either Washington, Robespierre or Wolfe Tone. To write as a supporter of any of those men, just follow the same outline as if you were writing about them, keeping these few points in mind:

• If you're writing about a supporter or a person fighting then you're writing in the first-person (I, me, etc.). 

• You'll still talk about your leader's life as if you were answering the question about him, but you'd include more relevant information about why you are rebelling. 

• If you're a Washington supporter, talk about the bad conditions in Valley Forge.
• If you're a Robespierre supporter, talk about how frightening life is under the Reign of Terror (and why).
• If you're a Tone supporter, you can be fighting in Wexford or with Humbert.

• Keep in mind that you should only include relevant (important) information, otherwise you'll lose marks.

People in History: A named leader in a revolution - George Washington

Washington and his troops at Valley Forge.

Main page: The American Revolution

Even before Second Year, you most likely knew who George Washington is. Today, Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States. George Washington was the very first.

Washington's face can be found on the $1 bill, on Mount Rushmore in the US, and in statues and paintings across America. Washington DC is named after him. However, none of that is any good to you in a People in History answer because it has nothing to do with his time as the leader of the American Revolution.

Washington is usually the most popular choice for the "revolutionary leader" People in History question. How would you go about answering it?

• Name and introduce your leader. This is a third-person answer, so you start with "George Washington was born in..."

• What did he do before the Revolution? Where did he live? What was his job?

• The Revolution begins: what was Washington's role in it? He was commander-in-chief, so this is a good place to talk about the battles he was involved in - New York, Philadelphia, Saratoga, Princeton, Trenton and Delaware.

• What happened during the Winter of 1777-8? Talk about the conditions at Valley Forge and how Washington stayed with his men.

• Something happened to change the Americans' luck. What was it? How was Washington able to defeat the British?

• What happened to Washington after the war?

• Finish up with a line on his later life and death.

So, in short...

1. Name and introduce Washington.
2. What he did before the Revolution.
3. What he did during the Revolution: the main battles.
4. His time at Valley Forge.
5. The arrival of the French.
6. Washington's new role after the war.
7. Later life and death.

Don't...

• write in the first person, you're talking about a named person so it's in third person. (He was... etc.)
• write anything irrelevant (unimportant).

Second Year: The Age of Revolutions

The flags of the three revolutions.

So far in Second Year you've learned about important things that happened in Europe since the Middle Ages, things which changed the world. As you go further on through time, you get to some of the most important times in Europe (and elsewhere) in the last few hundred years: the Age of Revolutions.

You'll study three revolutions: America, France, and the failed Irish rebellion of 1798. To keep things simple, I've given each of them their own page. They each share questions on exams (you'll be asked to answer a question on either America or France or Ireland) and the same People in History question applies to all three.

Continue to the Industrial Revolution

Go back to Second Year 

Get the revolution you want by clicking on the link.

America was colonised by Britain in the 17th century, but unfair rules led the colonists to revolt and form their own country: the United States of America.

The American revolution inspired the French people, who were sick of the royalty living in wealth and luxury while the poor suffered, to turn against the king and queen and have their own revolution. Some of them lost their heads though...

By 1798, the spirit of revolution had reached Ireland. But was it going to be successful?

People in History: A native Irish landowner who lost land in a named plantation

The native Irish in the 1500s. Albrecht Dürer drew this.

Main page: The Plantations

The most common Plantations People in History question is the planter who receives land. Less common, but still asked, is the other side of that story: the native Irish landowner who loses his land to the new planters.

You'll still talk about Ulster here, but you'll draw on things you learned about Ireland before the plantations started, and what happened to the native Irish when their land was taken from them.

• Introduce yourself. You know that Hugh O'Neill was the main figure in Ulster, so you can say that you are one of the O'Neills.

• Describe your clan's way of life before the Plantation happened. Who owned the land? What did you use it for?

• Who owns the land now? How did he get it? What does he use it for?

• How did this happen? What happened to Hugh O'Neill? What kinds of people are taking your land? (three types of planter)

• What must the planter who took your land do to defend it? Is he allowed to take Irish tenants?

• How do you plan to attack him? Where are your tribe now? What do the English call you? (tories)

• Finish up by saying you're going to attack tomorrow.

So, in short...

1. Introduce yourself.
2. Your clan's way of life before the Plantations.
3. Who owns the land now.
4. How the plantation happened.
5. What the planter must do to defend it.
6. Your clan now being tories and attacking the planters.

Don't...

• get confused between the Ulster plantation and the ones that happened in Laois-Offaly or Munster.
• name a term (like servitor or bawn) and then not explain it. You always get marks for explaining terms.
• write anything irrelevant (unimportant).

People in History: A settler who received land in a named plantation

King James I ordered the Ulster Plantation.

Main page: The Plantations

The plantation you learn the most about is the Ulster plantation. English settlers were moved to different counties in Ulster, where they claimed the land for their king and started to build new towns, such as Londonderry, and develop towns such as Donegal.

Unlike most of the Second Year People in History questions, this one is like First Year, as you're asked to write about being a planter, instead of writing about a famous planter.

There were different types of planter, and they each had different conditions. When writing this answer you'll need to decide what kind of planter you are. We'll go with a servitor for our example.

• Start by naming your plantation. For example: "Our King, James I, has confiscated six counties in Ulster..."

• What did the King want to do? How was the land divided?

• Talk about the three types of planter and say which one you are. How much land do you and the others get? What are you allowed to do? Remember to explain each of the three types of planter is as much detail as you can.

• What are your conditions? Irish natives will try to attack you. How will you defend the land for the King?

• You can say that you are going to Londonderry. What is it? What kind of people are being asked to go there, and why? What does the King want Londonderry to be?

• Is this plantation going to be a success? Talk about how England has learned from the mistakes it made in Laois-Offaly and Munster. Finish your answer talking about how successful you will be.

So, in short...

1. Name your plantation and the King.
2. What the King wanted to do.
3. Three types of planter, which one you are, and the land and allowances you have.
4. Your conditions and defending the land.
5. The plantation of Londonderry.
6. Is the plantation going to be a success?

  
Don't...

• get confused between the Ulster plantation and the ones that happened in Laois-Offaly or Munster.
• name a term (like servitor or bawn) and then not explain it. You always get marks for explaining terms.
• write anything irrelevant (unimportant).

People in History: A named Renaissance writer

© 20th Century Fox

Main page: The Renaissance

A named Renaissance writer 

If you were asked to name a famous writer from history, chances you William Shakespeare would be one of the first people to come to mind. You'll also know the names of some of his plays: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night's Dream are all famous, and are still performed today.

In 2nd and 3rd Year English, you'll study either Romeo and Juliet or The Merchant of Venice, while in 5th and 6th Year you'll study Hamlet or King Lear.

Shakespeare's plays have been made into films many times. You might have seen the 1996 version starring Leonardo di Caprio (right).

• As usual, name your writer and give his background. Where was he born? When? Did he marry?

• How did he start work? Who did he work with?

• How did he become famous? Why were his plays so popular?

• Give some examples of his plays. Name at least three, and explain what type of play each one was. You don't need to go into detail explaining the stories of each of the plays.

• What else did he write? 

• Finish with his later years and death.

So, in short...

1. Name and introduce the writer.
2. Talk about how he started work.
3. How he became famous.
4. Three examples of his plays.
5. Other things he wrote.
6. Later years and death.

Don't...

• say "Hi, I'm William Shakespeare..." Like I said, this has to be in the third-person (describing other people).
• name a term (like comedy or sonnet) and then not explain it. You always get marks for explaining terms.
• write anything irrelevant (unimportant). It is important that Shakespeare wrote plays. It is not important that he did not have a big white beard. 

People in History: A named Renaissance scientist

Galileo shows the leader of Venice how to use a telescope.

Main page: The Renaissance

A named Renaissance scientist

The Renaissance wasn't all about art. Many new scientific discoveries were made as well, one of the most famous being that the Earth revolves around the Sun. That discovery was made by a Polish scientist, Nicolas Copernicus, and also by an Italian called Galileo. Other discoveries were made about gravity and how the human body works.

Galileo is usually the Renaissance scientist you would talk about in a People in History question. Even if you haven't heard of him before, you probably know his name from Queen's song 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. Galileo made quite a few discoveries, but some of his work got him into big trouble.

The advice below is for Galileo, but might be useful if you're studying a different scientist.

• Name your scientist and give his background. Where was he born? When?

• Galileo didn't want to be a scientist at first. Talk about what he did before science.

• What inspired him to go into science? In Galileo's case he overheard a lecture. Explain what happened.

• Now you can start talking about his discoveries. Try to mention three. 

• Galileo is best known for supporting the theory that the earth revolves around the sun. What happened to him for this?

• Finish up with his later years and death.

So, in short...

1. Name and background.
2. What he did before science.
3. What inspired him to go into science?
4. Three discoveries.
5. His support for the theory of the earth revolving around the sun and what happened to him.
6. Later years and death.

Don't...

• say "Hi, I'm Galileo..." Like I said, this has to be in the third-person (describing other people).
• name a term (like astronomy or inquisition) and then not explain it. You always get marks for explaining terms.
• write anything irrelevant (unimportant). It is important that Galileo discovered the Theory of the Speed of Falling Bodies. It is not important that he had a big white beard. 

People in History: A named Renaissance artist from outside Italy

"Young Hare" by Albrecht Dürer. No, it's not a photograph.

Main page: The Renaissance

A named Renaissance artist from outside Italy 

The Renaissance might have began in Italy, but it spread elsewhere in Europe as well. After you've studied Michelangelo or Leonardo, you'll study an artist from outside Italy (also called a northern European artist). The artist you study depends on your textbook and on your teacher. Some textbooks focus on one, others offer a choice, and your teacher might have a preference for a particular artist. My preference is for Albrecht Dürer, so this page will use him as an example, but the advice should be helpful no matter who you're studying.

Dürer (doo-rer) was a German artist, most famous for his engravings and the incredible detail in his paintings.

• As usual, name your artist and give a bit about his background. Where was he born? When?

• How did your artist train? In Dürer's case he showed his talents by age 13 and was apprenticed at age 15.

• What kind of art did your artist make? Paintings? Sculptures? Engravings? If he painted, what did he paint, and why?

• Give examples of each, and try to give three examples at least. Describe the examples. What's in them? What techniques are used?

• Wrap up by explaining what your artist did in his later years until his death.

So, in short...

1. Name and introduce your artist.
2. Explain how he trained.
3. Describe the kind of art he made.
4. Give examples.
5. Talk about the artist's later years and death.

Don't...

• get confused between different artists. It can happen, so be careful!
• say "Hi, I'm Albrecht Dürer..." Like I said, this has to be in the third-person (describing other people).
• name a term (like engraving or perspective) and then not explain it. You always get marks for explaining terms.
• write anything irrelevant (unimportant). It is important that Durer painted the Young Hare. It is not important that he had long hair.

People in History: A named Renaissance artist from Italy

The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo.

Main page: The Renaissance

A named Renaissance artist from Italy.

The first thing to be careful of with Renaissance People in History questions (and a lot of them in Second and Third Year) is whether they ask you to write about a named person or not. Until now you've been writing in the first-person (e.g. I am a knight from the Middle Ages, I am a farmer in Neolithic Ireland, etc.) If you're writing about a named person, such as Michelangelo, you're not pretending to be him, you're just writing about him (e.g. Michelangelo was a Renaissance artist from Italy. He was born in...etc.)

You study two different types of artist in this chapter: artists from Italy, and artists from outside Italy. The paper always makes it clear which it's asking for, but always be careful, because everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Most of the time, you have a choice between two Italian artists, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. The advice on this page can apply to both.

• First, name your artist. Who is he? When was he born? Where was he born?

• Next talk about his training. Where did he train? Who was his patron?

• What did he do after his training? Did he travel? Who did he work for?

• This is a good point to describe some of that artist's works. It's best to have three examples, so for Leonardo you could describe the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper and the Virgin on the Rocks. For Michelangelo, you'd talk about David, the Pieta and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Don't forget to explain everything about these works, such as the terms fresco and sculpture.

• Once that's done, talk about other things the artist did. In Leonardo's case, you'd talk about his inventions. Michelangelo answers would have his work on the Dome of St. Peter here.

• When you've finished, end your answer just by mentioning when and where the artist died.

So, in short...

1. Name and introduce your artist.
2. Talk about his training and patron.
3. Describe what he did after his training.
4. Describe three examples of his works.
5. Talk about other things the artist did.
6. Finish up with his death.

Don't...

• get confused between Leonardo and Michelangelo. It can happen, so be careful!
• say "Hi, I'm Michelangelo..." Like I said, this has to be in the third-person (describing other people).
• name a term (like fresco or perspective) and then not explain it. You always get marks for explaining terms.
• write anything irrelevant (unimportant). It is important that Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa. It is not important that he had a big white beard. 

Junior Cert Higher Level: Question 6

Question 6 on the Higher Level paper is split into four sections. Each section asks questions about a particular topic you studied from 1st to 3rd year. You could be asked to write an account of something, like in the question above. That question asks you to pick two of three features of your ancient civilisation to talk about, and the marks are 10x2. So what does this mean?

The two you pick are worth ten marks each. You should know by now that in every History answer, a good, relevant fact is worth 2 marks. So if the two you pick are ten marks each, that means you should have at least five good, relevant points for each one. So, at least five good points about Burial customs and Religion, five good points on Food and clothing, or five good points on Work, arts and crafts, whichever two you pick.

It's always a good idea to have more facts than you need, just in case you get one wrong by mistake. The more extra facts you have, the less chance there is of you losing marks. You should try to have 7-8 facts in each part of this answer.

People in History: A Medieval Craftsman

Main page: The Middle Ages 

A craftsman in a medieval town.

The craftsman very rarely appears as a People in History option, but he is a possibility. In class you learn about the different types of craftsmen, the services they provided, and the stages involved in becoming a craftsman in a medieval town. You also learn about markets and fairs, and the punishments that can befall a craftsman who does not work well enough!

People still work as craftsmen today (stonemasons, blacksmiths, designers, engineers, etc.), though the types of craft have increased, and they have computers to help them. Maybe you'll work in of those jobs when you're older! But for now, let's pretend you're a medieval craftsman. How would you answer this People in History question?

• As usual, introduce yourself first. Where do you live? What do you do?

• What kind of craftsman are you? A blacksmith? A carpenter? Talk about that and mention how people would know what work you do (signs outside your shop).

• How did you become a craftsman? What are the stages? What did you have to do to become a master craftsman? Make sure you can describe the stages very well.

• Next, talk about the markets and fairs that are held in your town. Why are they held? What do you do at these fairs?

• End your answer by talking about crime and punishment in your town. What happens to you if you make bad goods? 

So, in short...
 

1. Introduce yourself and what you do.
2. Talk about the kind of craftsman you are.
3. Talk about the stages of becoming a craftsman.
4. Talk about markets and fairs.
5. Finish up with crime and punishment.

Don't....

• Talk about anything that isn't based around a solid fact like you learn in class. No small talk! 

Making mistakes like that will cost you marks, as the information you write down must be relevant (important). You get 2 marks for every relevant point you make, so try to make sure you have at least 10 relevant points in each answer. The more you have, the less chance you have of losing too many marks if you get anything wrong or mix anything up.

People in History: A Medieval Monk

A monk copying a manuscript.

Main page: The Middle Ages 

A monk in a medieval monastery.

Learning about monks in the Middle Ages can seem a bit familiar. You already studied early Christian Irish monks, but even though they had some things in common with medieval monks, there were differences too. Luckily, what you learned about the early Irish monks will help you when you're studying medieval monks.

The medieval monks still copied manuscripts and prayed (of course), but they had different buildings in their monasteries, and other jobs to do. Unlike earlier monks, these monks would be members of Orders, such as the Dominicans or the Franciscans. Many of these orders still exist today. Sometimes you might even see a monk walking about town.

So, if you wanted to be a monk in the Middle Ages, how would you talk about yourself? Ignore the fact that you have a vow of silence!

• Introduce yourself. You can say you are a novice. Why did you want to become a monk? What order are you a member of? Why are monasteries important to people in the Middle Ages?

• Once that's done, talk about your monastery. What services does it provide to people? What buildings does it have, and what are they for? Who's in charge?

• Be sure to mention the different types of architecture that were being used for churches in the Middle Ages.

• Next, your roles and duties. So, when you move on from being a novice to becoming a monk, what vows do you take?

• What is your role? What other roles are there? (e.g. infirmarian, sacristan, etc.)

• What do you do every day? Talk about life in the monastery, and the work you do.

• Before you finish, talk about meals and the kind of food you eat.

• Then wrap up by talking about the new orders that are being set up. Why is this happening?

So, in short...

1. You're a novice. Introduce yourself and your order.
2. Talk about your monastery.
3. Talk about religious architecture during the Middle Ages.
4. Talk about the vows you must take to become a monk.
5. Talk about your roles and the roles of the other monks.
6. Talk about everyday life in the monastery.
7. Talk about the meals.
8. Talk about the new orders that are being set up.

Don't....

• get confused between medieval monks and early Christian Irish monks. It can happen easily to take care!
• talk about anything that isn't based around a solid fact like you learn in class. No small talk! 

Making mistakes like that will cost you marks, as the information you write down must be relevant (important). You get 2 marks for every relevant point you make, so try to make sure you have at least 10 relevant points in each answer. The more you have, the less chance you have of losing too many marks if you get anything wrong or mix anything up.

People in History: Medieval Knights

Main page: The Middle Ages 

A knight in a medieval castle.

Out of all the People in History you study in the Middle Ages, the knight is probably the one you knew the most apart beforehand. Knights defended the castle and their king, fought in jousts, and took vows of chivalry. In First Year, you learn about the stages of becoming a knight (starting at age 7!), and you learn more about their role in the Middle Ages.

So, you're a knight in a medieval castle...

• Where do you fit in the feudal system? Explain your roles and duties. What do the king and lord expect you to do?

• Then, start talking about how you train to become a knight. Start off with the Page. What age were you? What does a page do?

• The next step is a Squire. What age were you? What does a squire do?

• Then, you finally became a Knight. What age were you? How did you officially become one?

• When you became a knight you took vows of chivalry. Explain these vows and what they mean.

• Finally, talk about tournaments and jousts. What are they? What do you do at them? Who organises them? What do they give you practice for?

So, in short...

1. Explain your place in the feudal system.
2. Training to become a knight. Name the steps.
3. Being a Page.
4. Being a Squire.
5. Finally becoming a Knight.
6. Your vows of chivalry.
7. What you do at tournaments and jousts.

Don't....

• Talk about anything that isn't based around a solid fact like you learn in class. No small talk! 

Making mistakes like that will cost you marks, as the information you write down must be relevant (important). You get 2 marks for every relevant point you make, so try to make sure you have at least 10 relevant points in each answer. The more you have, the less chance you have of losing too many marks if you get anything wrong or mix anything up.

People in History: Medieval Peasants (Serfs and Freemen)

Main page: The Middle Ages

A serf on a medieval manor.

Medieval peasants. (from kidspast.com)

At the bottom of the feudal system are the peasants. In this chapter, you learn that there were two types of peasant in the Middle Ages: serfs and freemen. Serfs could only leave the land with their lord's permission, but freemen (as the name suggests) were free to come and go as they pleased. A serf could become a freeman if he escaped for a year and a day without being caught.

In a People in History question, you might be asked to write as a "peasant", in which case you can choose to be a serf or a freeman, or you'll be asked to write as one or the other (usually a serf). So let's go with the question title above. 

• Start by explaining your place in the feudal system. Who's above you?

• Talk about being a serf. What's the difference between you and a freeman? How do you become a freeman?

• Then, go on to talk about the house you live in. It might not be much, but you can talk about what the house the is made of, how many rooms it has , what they're used for, and how much furniture you don't have.

• Then, describe the food you eat. What is it? How do you prepare it?

• Next, talk about your work.What does the lord expect you to do? You work on the farms, so describe them. Make sure to explain the open field system and crop rotation.

• What happens to you if you break any rules, or if you're caught trying to escape? The bailiff can be a scary man, he might lock you up if you don't mention him.

• Finally, talk about the tithes you have to pay, and why you have to pay them.

• Finish off with a plan to escape for a year and a day, if you like!

So, in short...

1. Your place in the feudal system.
2. The difference between you and a freeman, and how to become one.
3. Your house and living conditions.
4. The food you eat.
5. The work you do. Open field system and crop rotation.
6. What happens when you break rules.
7. The tithes you must pay.

Don't....

• Talk about anything that isn't based around a solid fact like you learn in class. No small talk! 

Making mistakes like that will cost you marks, as the information you write down must be relevant (important). You get 2 marks for every relevant point you make, so try to make sure you have at least 10 relevant points in each answer. The more you have, the less chance you have of losing too many marks if you get anything wrong or mix anything up.

People in History: A Medieval Lord or Lady

Main page: The Middle Ages

The lord or lady of a medieval castle.

A lord and lady being married.

The lord and lady are the first two people you learn about when you study the Middle Ages. They're near the top in the feudal system in which medieval society was organised, coming under the King. The King would grant the lord land, which the lord would take charge of for the King. The lord would also help the King to defend the land.

When a lord got married, his wife became the lady of the castle or manor (depending on which the lord lived in). Marriage between lords and ladies was arranged by their parents.

The Lord or Lady option has come up twice in recent years, and will very likely do so again in the next few years. So now that you're moving on from describing a whole civilisation to describing the lives of certain people, how do you do it?

• First of all you must decide if you are a lord or a lady! Then explain your place in the feudal system. Who are you under? Who are you above? Talk about how you met your husband/wife. Who arranged the marriage? What is a dowry?

• Next, talk about your castle. In this chapter you learn about two different types of castle, the wooden motte and bailey, and the stronger stone castles. In order to mention both, you could say that you used to live in a motte and bailey, but that was burned down and now you live in a stone castle. Explain the different parts of the castle, and describe how you (or your husband) and your knights would defend it if it was attacked or put under siege.

• Once you've finished talking about your castle, go on to talk about your roles and duties. What are your jobs? What does the king expect you to do for him? This part will have different answers depending on whether you choose to be a lord or a lady.

• Next, talk about life inside the castle - especially feasts. What food do you eat? What kind of entertainment is provided?

• You can finish by talking about how you (or your husband) organise tournaments and jousts for the knights, and why this is important.

So, in short...

1. Are you a lord or a lady? Explain your part in the feudal system.
2. How you met your husband/wife and who arranged the marriage.
3. Your castle: the parts of it, how it can be defended, how attackers might try to capture it.
4. Your roles and duties as either a lord or a lady.
5. Talk about feasts.
6. Talk about organising tournaments and jousts for the knights.

  
Don't....

• Talk about anything that isn't based around a solid fact like you learn in class. No small talk! 

Making mistakes like that will cost you marks, as the information you write down must be relevant (important). You get 2 marks for every relevant point you make, so try to make sure you have at least 10 relevant points in each answer. The more you have, the less chance you have of losing too many marks if you get anything wrong or mix anything up.

Welcome to the History Blog

Welcome! This site is designed to help you with your study of Junior Cert and Leaving Cert History. To the left, you'll see links for each year. Click on your year and you will find a list of all the topics you will study. Each topic page has information, tips and links to pictures, games and other useful websites.

As well as the topics you study in school, the In the News, Things to Watch Out For and On This Day sections below give you information on other things that happened in history, from the Stone Age as far as yesterday.

In the news...

The second known photograph of Emily Dickinson (left).

Have you studied Emily Dickinson in English? The Emily Dickinson museum in her home town of Amherst, Massachusetts has revealed what is thought to be only the second known photograph of her. (full story here)

Archaeologists in Britain have excavated a skeleton they believe might belong to King Richard III, who doesn't appear in the History course but is famous for fighting and dying at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. (full story here)




Things to watch out for...





On this day in ...

Author Roald Dahl was born on this day
in 1916.

September 13th

1501:
Michelangelo began work on David.

1541:
John Calvin returned to Geneva to reform the church there.

1788:
America set the date for its first ever presidential election, which began on 15 December.

1791:
King Louis XVI of France accepted his country's new constitution after the revolution.

1899:
Henry Bliss became the first person to die in an automobile accident in America.

1906:
A fixed-wing aircraft was flown for the first time.

1953:
Nikita Khrushchev was appointed secretary-general of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

1989:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu led South Africa's largest anti-apartheid march.

Leaving Cert History

There are two History courses at Leaving Cert level: Early Modern and Late Modern. The vast majority of schools teach Late Modern, so that is what this site will focus on for the time being.

Leaving Cert History is split into two main parts: Ireland, and Europe and the Wider World. Within each of these parts are different topics, and within these topics are different sections.

Unlike Junior Cert, there's no set curriculum for 5th and 6th Year. Your class can focus on whatever topics you want in whatever order you want (at your teacher's discretion, of course).

You must study two topics each from Modern Ireland and from Modern Europe and the Wider World. One of the topics will be a prescribed topic for the Document Question in the Leaving Cert exam.

Upcoming prescribed topics are:

2017: Dictatorship and Democracy in Europe, 1920-45

2018: Government, Economy and Society in the Republic of Ireland, 1949-89

2019: Government, Economy and Society in the Republic of Ireland, 1949-89

This section is still under development.

Click on the links below to find the topic you want.

MODERN IRELAND

MODERN EUROPE AND 

THE WIDER WORLD

LC: US: The United States and the World, 1945 - 1989

LC: Europe: European Retreat from Empire and the Aftermath, 1945 - 1990