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Which interpretation gives the more convincing opinion about the Great Plains? Explain your answer based on your contextual knowledge and what it says in Interpretations A and B - AQA - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 3
Which interpretation gives the more convincing opinion about the Great Plains? Explain your answer based on your contextual knowledge and what it says in Interpreta... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which interpretation gives the more convincing opinion about the Great Plains? Explain your answer based on your contextual knowledge and what it says in Interpretations A and B - AQA - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate Interpretation A
Answer
Interpretation A presents a view of the Great Plains as an area that was promising and fertile. It highlights the potential for agriculture and settlement before the arrival of settlers. However, from my contextual understanding, this interpretation may overlook the challenges faced by early settlers, including harsh weather, inadequate resources, and conflicts with Indigenous peoples. These issues made cultivating the land much more complex than simply it being a bountiful area.
Step 2
Evaluate Interpretation B
Answer
Interpretation B argues that the Great Plains were dismissed as an unproductive and harsh environment, reflecting the views of many settlers who had come to change it. This interpretation aligns with my knowledge that many pioneers faced significant difficulties, including lack of water and the presence of fierce storms. The mention of the Great Plains being compared to the Great American Desert adds depth to this argument. It brings into focus how the region was often seen as unsuitable for settlement, which presents a more realistic perspective.
Step 3
Make a Judgment
Answer
In conclusion, I believe that Interpretation B provides a more convincing opinion of the Great Plains. It recognizes the complexity of the environment and the difficulties faced by settlers, thereby aligning more closely with historical realities. Although Interpretation A has its merits in highlighting the agricultural potential, it fails to account for the substantial challenges, which were pivotal in shaping the Great Plains' history.