IB History Exam Study Guide: International Contemporary History 1848-2008

IB History Exam Study Guide by Dr. Juan R. C spedes, Ph.D. A comprehensive study guide for students preparing for the IB examination, extensively covering material on papers 1, 2, & 3. Also an excellent review source for any student of contemporary history (years 1848-2008). Examines the root causes of events leading to the history of the 20th century, as well as thought provoking material necessary for the critical thinking aspects found in IB examinations. Dr. Juan R. C spedes' scholarly perspective is concise and covers the following topics: "Communism in Crisis: 1976-1991", "Causes, Practices and Effects of Wars", "Origins and Development of Authoritarian and Single Party States", "The Cold War", and "History of the Americas".

Dr. Juan R. Céspedes is a veteran educator, lecturer, and author. Born in Havana, Cuba, he fled with his family from the Castro-communist dictatorship in 1960. For nearly three decades Dr. Céspedes has shared his thoughts and research about history, politics, economics, and international relations with a wide audience. An advocate of individual freedom, human dignity and democratic government, he has traveled widely, studied, and reported extensively on major topics such as the nature of totalitarian regimes, the Cold War, the causes of wars, and the history of terrorism. Dr. Céspedes began his career studying economics and labor relations at Florida International University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology. Subsequently, he obtained a Master of Science Degree in Gifted Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a Ph.D. in Education and Leadership from Barry University. He is currently a History Instructor for the International Baccalaureate program at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, an Examiner for the International Baccalaureate Organization, and Adjunct Professor at Barry University and lecturer at Florida International University. He believes that a 21st century history education needs a comprehensive view where the learner becomes an analyst conscientious of social, economic, cultural, political and other human conditions. For Dr. Céspedes, historical analysis does not imply revisionism with preconceived ideas of what ＂should have been,＂ nor assumptions made from a modern-day perspective. His extensive and detailed work not only endows us with a historical documentation of human triumph and accomplishment, but also makes us aware of our failures, cruelty, and sometimes our inhumanity toward each other. Dr. Céspedes believes that ＂A true understanding of history is the basis for appreciating the human condition and grappling with the moral issues facing a democratic society today.＂