History

Purpose and Structure

History is the practice of understanding and making meaning of the past. Students learn about their historical past, their shared history and the people, ideas and events that have created present societies. The study of history provides students with a framework in which they can develop an understanding of the issues of their own time and place. It develops the skills necessary to analyse visual, oral and written records. It sets accounts of the past within the framework of the values, interests and worldview of that time.

Unit 1 and 2: Empires 

This VCE subject offers students the opportunity to investigate the foundations and features of empires and the significant global changes they brought to the wider world in the early modern period. Empires at their core were expansionist, dominating trade and political influence in their regional or global contexts. A range of key factors arising from the social, political, economic, cultural, religious, environmental and technological features of Empires played a role in the ambition and quest for power, prestige and influence over rival and competing states. In Unit 1, students examine these skills and knowledge within the context of the Spanish Empire (1492- 1713). In Unit 2, these are examined within the context of the British Empire (1583-1788).

In Area of Study 1, students focus on the features of empires and what contributed to their rise. They analyse how the social, political, economic, cultural, religious, environmental and technological features and conditions shaped an empire’s quest for expansion. Specifically, students examine: 

• Foundations and features of each empire 

• Significant events and motivating forces that led to the rise of the empire 

• Individuals, ideas and technologies and their contributions to the rise and expansion of the empire 

• Wealth and power and how the empire used and expressed its wealth and power 

• How the empire managed and consolidated its power and influence.

In Area of Study 2, students focus on the challenges and changes facing the empire in the age of imperialism. Students explain how and why new colonies and new markets were established and describe the empire’s global power and why their influence prospered. They analyse the empire’s social, political, economic and cultural structures of power and how it was used to maintain control. Students evaluate the consequences of empire expansion, especially for indigenous peoples. 

Specifically, students examine: 

• Changes in daily life through exchanges between the empire and its colonies 

• The consequences of encounters between empire and indigenous peoples 

• The extent to which the empire declined and/or collapsed 

• Significant legacies of the empire.

Unit 3 and 4: Revolutions 

This VCE subject offers students the opportunity to make a detailed study of two revolutions. The chosen revolutions studied are the French Revolution (1774-95) and the Russian Revolution (1896- 1927). A study of revolutions sharpens understanding of the processes of historical change and the difficulties of establishing a new direction in any society.

In their Area of Study 1 in relation to each of the revolutions, students look at the causes of revolutions, examining the interplay between significant events and ideas, individuals and popular movements in bringing about change. Questions asked include: What were the significant causes of revolution? How did the actions of popular movements and particular individuals contribute to triggering a revolution? To what extent did social tensions and ideological conflicts contribute to the outbreak of revolution?

Area of Study 2 focuses on the consequences of revolution and the extent to which it brought change to society. Questions asked include: How did the consequences of revolution shape the new order? How did the new regime consolidate its power? How did the revolution affect the experience of those who lived through it? To what extent was society changed and revolutionary ideas achieved.