# History Grade 12 P1 NSC November 2023 Question Paper (Eng) > Grade 12 History Paper 1 question paper from the NSC November Exam 2023 (English), 9 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-p1-nov-2023-eng/08d3deea-cb62-440a-af73-5033b1ec101d - Updated: 2026-09-27 - Subject: History - Grade: Grade 12 - Document type: Question paper - Year: 2023 - Exam period: NSC November Exam - Paper: 1 - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 9 Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 12](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12) › [History](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12/history) › [History Grade 12 P1 NSC November 2023 Question Paper (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-p1-nov-2023-eng/08d3deea-cb62-440a-af73-5033b1ec101d) ## About this document History · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2023. Question paper, 9 pages. Read online or download the PDF. Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there. ## Document text Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction. ### Page 1 Downloaded from hlayiso.com NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 HISTORY P1 NOVEMBER 2023 MARKS: 150 TIME: 3 hours This question paper consists of 9 pages and an addendum of 14 pages. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 Downloaded from hlayiso.com History/P1 2 DBE/November 2023 NSC INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 1. This question paper consists of SECTION A and SECTION B based on the prescribed content framework in the CAPS document. SECTION A: SOURCE-BASED QUESTIONS QUESTION 1: THE COLD WAR: THE ORIGINS OF THE COLD WAR QUESTION 2: INDEPENDENT AFRICA: CASE STUDY  ANGOLA QUESTION 3: CIVIL SOCIETY PROTESTS FROM THE 1950s TO THE 1970s: THE US CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT SECTION B: ESSAY QUESTIONS QUESTION 4: THE EXTENSION OF THE COLD WAR: CASE STUDY – VIETNAM QUESTION 5: INDEPENDENT AFRICA: CASE STUDY  THE CONGO QUESTION 6: CIVIL SOCIETY PROTESTS FROM THE 1950s TO THE 1970s: THE BLACK POWER MOVEMENT 2. SECTION A consists of THREE source-based questions. Source material that is required to answer these questions can be found in the ADDENDUM. 3. SECTION B consists of THREE essay questions. 4. Answer THREE questions as follows: 4.1 At least ONE must be a source-based question and at least ONE must be an essay question. 4.2 The THIRD question can be either a source-based question or an essay question. 5. You are advised to spend ONE hour per question. 6. When answering questions, candidates should apply their knowledge, skills and insight. 7. You will be disadvantaged by merely rewriting the sources as answers. 8. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper. 9. Write neatly and legibly. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 Downloaded from hlayiso.com History/P1 3 DBE/November 2023 NSC SECTION A: SOURCE-BASED QUESTIONS Answer at least ONE question, but not more than TWO questions, in this section. Source material to be used to answer these questions is contained in the ADDENDUM. QUESTION 1: HOW DID BERLIN BECOME A FOCAL POINT OF COLD WAR TENSION BETWEEN THE SOVIET UNION (USSR) AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) IN 1948? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and answer the questions that follow. 1.1 Refer to Source 1A. 1.1.1 Identify in the source the THREE countries that made up the European Advisory Commission. (3 x 1) (3) 1.1.2 Why, according to the source, was it decided at Yalta in February 1945 to also create a zone for France in Germany?(1 x 1) (1) 1.1.3 Explain why you think the occupying countries had 'to ensure that the Germans were not able to build up a military force again'. (1 x 2) (2) 1.1.4 Comment on the implications of having the city of Berlin in the Soviet zone in the context of Cold War tensions between the USSR and the USA in 1948. (2 x 2) (4) 1.2 Read Source 1B. 1.2.1 Define the term blockade in your own words. (1 x 2) (2) 1.2.2 Explain why you think the USA regarded the Berlin Blockade as 'a clear violation of existing agreements concerning the administration of Berlin'. (2 x 2) (4) 1.2.3 Quote THREE reasons from the source why the USA was determined to remain as a power in Berlin. (3 x 1) (3) 1.2.4 State ONE specific obligation, according to the source, which the USA insisted on concerning the physical well-being of the population of its sector in Berlin. (1 x 1) (1) 1.2.5 Comment on why the USA emphasised its willingness to settle any disagreements with the USSR by negotiations. (2 x 2) (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 Downloaded from hlayiso.com History/P1 4 DBE/November 2023 NSC 1.3 Use Source 1C. 1.3.1 Give TWO reasons, according to the source, why the Soviet Union opposed the introduction of a special currency to be used in the western part of Berlin only. (2 x 1) (2) 1.3.2 Explain the concept monetary reform in the context of the Berlin zones in 1948. (1 x 2) (2) 1.3.3 Why, according to the source, did the Soviet Command believe that the danger of the disruption of economic activities of the Soviet zone and of Berlin was not eliminated? (1 x 2) (2) 1.3.4 Comment on the limitations of this source to a historian researching the division of Berlin. (2 x 2) (4) 1.4 Consult Sources 1B and 1C. Comment on how Source 1B differs from Source 1C regarding reasons given by the USA and the Soviet Union for remaining as occupying powers in Berlin in 1948. (2 x 2) (4) 1.5 Consult Source 1D. 1.5.1 Explain the symbolic representation of the three leaders seated next to each other in the context of the Cold War. (1 x 2) (2) 1.5.2 Why did Russia (Stalin) want to have a final say in the administration of Berlin? (1 x 2) (2) 1.6 Using the information in the relevant sources and your own knowledge, write a paragraph of about EIGHT lines (about 80 words) explaining how Berlin became a focal point of Cold War tension between the Soviet Union (USSR) and the United States of America (USA) in 1948. (8) [50] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 Downloaded from hlayiso.com History/P1 5 DBE/November 2023 NSC QUESTION 2: WHAT FACTORS LED TO THE THREE NATIONALIST MOVEMENTS (MPLA, FNLA AND UNITA) BECOMING INVOLVED IN THE ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR IN 1975? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D and answer the questions that follow. 2.1 Use Source 2A. 2.1.1 Define the term revolution in your own words. (1 x 2) (2) 2.1.2 Identify in the source the THREE nationalist movements that contested the control of Angola after independence. (3 x 1) (3) 2.1.3 Name TWO communist countries in the source with which Neto formed close links. (2 x 1) (2) 2.1.4 What does the execution of Nito Alves' followers suggest about Neto's leadership? (1 x 2) (2) 2.2 Read Source 2B. 2.2.1 Why do you think this photograph was taken in December 1975? (2 x 2) (4) 2.2.2 Comment on the implication of the title of the photograph 'Angola's Brutal History and the MPLA's Role in it'. (1 x 2) (2) 2.3 Use Source 2C. 2.3.1 Why, according to the source, did the transition from Portuguese rule in Angola turn into a disaster? (1 x 2) (2) 2.3.2 Explain the term civil war in the context of the contestation of power over Angola. (1 x 2) (2) 2.3.3 Comment on the meaning of the statement, 'But both were determined for reasons of their own prestige …', in the context of their involvement in the Angolan Civil War. (2 x 2) (4) 2.3.4 Explain the usefulness of this source to a historian studying the Angolan Civil War. (2 x 2) (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 Downloaded from hlayiso.com History/P1 6 DBE/November 2023 NSC 2.4 Study Source 2D. 2.4.1 Quote evidence from the source that suggests that the MPLA was leaning towards nationalism and socialism. (1 x 2) (2) 2.4.2 Explain what you think is implied by the following in the context of the Angolan Civil War: 'Conflict became ethnicised'. (1 x 2) (2) 2.4.3 Why, according to the source, did the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) support the FNLA? (1 x 1) (1) 2.4.4 Using the information in the source and your own knowledge, comment on why you think South Africa decided to support UNITA. (2 x 2) (4) 2.4.5 Quote TWO pieces of evidence from the source that suggest the MPLA did not improve the lives of the Angolan people. (2 x 1) (2) 2.5 Refer to Sources 2C and 2D. Explain how the evidence in Source 2C supports the information in Source 2D regarding the approach followed by the three nationalist movements. (2 x 2) (4) 2.6 Using the information in the relevant sources and your own knowledge, write a paragraph of about EIGHT lines (about 80 words) explaining the factors that led to the three nationalist movements (MPLA, FNLA and UNITA) becoming involved in the Angolan Civil War in 1975. (8) [50] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 Downloaded from hlayiso.com History/P1 7 DBE/November 2023 NSC QUESTION 3: WHAT CHALLENGES WERE ENCOUNTERED BY THE CIVIL RIGHTS PROTESTORS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE FREEDOM RIDES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) IN THE 1960s? Study Sources 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D and answer the questions that follow. 3.1 Refer to Source 3A. 3.1.1 How, according to the source, did the Freedom Riders set out to challenge racial discrimination in the USA in 1961? (1 x 2) (2) 3.1.2 Define the term constitution in your own words. (1 x 2) (2) 3.1.3 Comment on what is meant by the statement, 'They also knew that they might be injured or even killed for trying to exercise that right [of travelling together]'. (1 x 2) (2) 3.1.4 Using the information in the source and your own knowledge, explain why President John F Kennedy took immediate action in desegregating the USA. (2 x 2) (4) 3.2 Use Source 3B. 3.2.1 Explain why you think this newspaper article made front-page headline news. (1 x 2) (2) 3.2.2 Why do you think this article was titled, 'Inhuman!'? (2 x 2) (4) 3.2.3 Comment on why the flames and smoke from the burning bus are labelled, 'The Flames of Hatred!'. (1 x 2) (2) 3.3 Read Source 3C. 3.3.1 What, according to the source, motivated Zwerg and his colleagues to get involved in the Freedom Rides? (1 x 1) (1) 3.3.2 Give TWO options, stated by Zwerg, that activists would take if they were jailed for participating in the Freedom Rides. (2 x 1) (2) 3.3.3 Why would a historian consider this source reliable when researching the 1961 Freedom Rides in the USA? (2 x 2) (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 Downloaded from hlayiso.com History/P1 8 DBE/November 2023 NSC 3.4 Study Source 3D. 3.4.1 Give THREE reasons in the source why the protestors were taken to the hospital after the bus explosion. (3 x 1) (3) 3.4.2 Comment on what is implied by Governor Patterson's statement regarding the Freedom Riders, 'Any rioters in this state will not receive police protection'. (2 x 2) (4) 3.4.3 Quote evidence from the source which indicates that the hospital did not administer or accept the injured Freedom Riders. (2 x 1) (2) 3.4.4 Explain the term segregationist in the context of the state of Alabama. (1 x 2) (2) 3.4.5 Give TWO pieces of evidence from the source indicating that Governor Patterson was a 'militant segregationist'. (2 x 1) (2) 3.5 Consult Sources 3C and 3D. Explain how the evidence in Source 3C is supported by the information in Source 3D regarding the treatment of the Freedom Riders. (2 x 2) (4) 3.6 Using the information in the relevant sources and your own knowledge, write a paragraph of about EIGHT lines (about 80 words) explaining the challenges that were encountered by the civil rights protestors who participated in the Freedom Rides in the USA in the 1960s. (8) [50] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 Downloaded from hlayiso.com History/P1 9 DBE/November 2023 NSC SECTION B: ESSAY QUESTIONS Answer at least ONE question, but NOT more than TWO questions, in this section. Your essay should be about THREE pages long. QUESTION 4: THE EXTENSION OF THE COLD WAR: CASE STUDY – VIETNAM The tactics used by the Vietcong were successful in making USA strategies ineffective during the Vietnam War between 1963 and 1975. Critically discuss this statement and use relevant historical evidence to support your line of argument. [50] QUESTION 5: INDEPENDENT AFRICA: CASE STUDY – THE CONGO Mobutu Sese Seko's political, economic and cultural policies positively transformed the post-independent Congo in the 1960s. Do you agree with the statement? Use relevant evidence to support your line of argument. [50] QUESTION 6: CIVIL SOCIETY PROTESTS FROM THE 1950s TO THE 1970s: THE BLACK POWER MOVEMENT Explain to what extent the Black Power Movement depended on the use of violent, radical and militant strategies to end discrimination in the USA. Use relevant historical evidence to support your line of argument. [50] TOTAL: 150 Copyright reserved ## Related documents - [History P1 Nov 2020 Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-p1-nov-2020-eng/ee3ae3b0-c354-45e6-b3c7-332627f487ef) — History · QP · 2020 · Eng - [History P1 Nov 2014 Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-p1-nov-2014-eng/89668a5f-bd22-4e52-9e37-55411cf74229) — History · QP · 2014 · Eng - [History P1 Nov 2014 Afr](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-p1-nov-2014-afr/ea332f92-48ce-4d55-9cb0-0d24da82e036) — History · QP · 2014 · Afr - [History P2 Nov 2023 Addendum Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-p2-nov-2023-addendum-eng/115e775e-ffa7-4295-a812-c3f541a7b7bb) — History · Addendum · 2023 · Eng - [HISTORY P1 GR12 ADDEN JUNIE 2023 Afrikaans](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-p1-gr12-adden-junie-2023-afrikaans/6fec864f-931f-4143-acac-b498e2a5f304) — History · Addendum · 2023 · Afr - [HISTORY P1 GR12 MEMO SEPT 2023 Afrikaans](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-p1-gr12-memo-sept-2023-afrikaans/baf3bd16-de95-470b-a321-e24be37ad22a) — History · Memo · 2023 · Afr ## More from Grade 12 History - [Workguide - Case Study Strategies](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/workguide-case-study-strategies/0b4c8d70-c563-4cfe-93e0-dad57e8fbeb3) — Guide - [History Grade 12 NSC P2 MEMO September 2025 North West](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-grade-12-nsc-p2-memo-september-2025-north-west/3d9bf167-1e97-42c1-826a-bf344c0e964e) — Memo · 2025 - [History P1 May-June 2025 MG Eng](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-p1-may-june-2025-mg-eng/9e0f813e-e888-4061-a259-20b4dbe98907) — Memo · 2025 · Eng - [HISTORY P1 MEMO GR12 JUNE 2024 Afrikaans](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-p1-memo-gr12-june-2024-afrikaans/f313b62b-041f-4225-bf96-3a6052a2f919) — Memo · 2024 · Afr - [HISTORY P1 ADDEN GR12 SEP 2024 Afrikaans](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-p1-adden-gr12-sep-2024-afrikaans/4faf89db-d19f-40cf-891f-e87e004b0bc5) — Addendum · 2024 · Afr - [HISTORY P2 GR12 ADDENDUM SEPT 2024 Afrikaans](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/history-p2-gr12-addendum-sept-2024-afrikaans/b61f3bc2-3524-48c9-af60-f3348133d582) — Addendum · 2024 · Afr ## Collection - [Grade 12 past papers](https://www.hlayiso.com/grade-12/past-papers) --- Hlayiso: free CAPS and IEB past papers, memos, notes and study guides for South African learners. 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