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When studying IB History, mastering the OPCVL source analysis is crucial for success. This method helps students critically evaluate historical sources, and understand their significance and reliability. In this blog post, we'll explore examples of how to apply OPCVL to different types of sources.
IB History OPCVL Examples
Example 1
Notes from the British Cabinet on conversations held in Berlin between John Simon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and Adolf Hitler, German Chancellor and Fuhrer (March 1935).
John Simon thanked the Chancellor for the opportunity he had had of meeting him and for the way in which the British Ministers had been welcomed. But, observing the rule of frankness to the end, he must say that the British Ministers felt somewhat disappointed that it had not been possible to get a larger measure of agreement. They regretted that such difficulties were thought to exist on the German side in connection with some of the matters discussed. He did not regret having come to Berlin. He was sure that this meeting was the best way of continuing this investigation into the various points of view. What he regretted was that they had not been able to do more in the direction of promoting the general agreement which he was sure both sides wanted. It showed that these things were more difficult and complicated than many believed them to be from distance... Hitler was also grateful to the British Government for the loyal efforts they had made in the matter of the Saar vote, and for all the other matters on which they had adopted such a loyal and generous attitude to Germany.
The Origin of the source is limited for a historian studying the international response to German aggression as the source has been created in 1935 and hence does not take into account any later events. The Content of the source is valuable because it provides first-hand insight into the discussions between German and British authorities during the meeting. However, the Content is at the same time limited because the source covers only Anglo-German relations and hence does not allow for study of the wider, international response. The Purpose of the source is valuable because it was created for the British Cabinet's use and was not meant for public dissemination. As a result, its aim was to provide an accurate account of the meeting, rather than to cast the British in a favorable light or influence public opinion.
Example 2
An extract from a US Government proposal delivered to the Empire of Japan on 26th November 1941 (Known as the ''Hull Note'').
The Government of the United States and the government of Japan will endeavor to conclude a multilateral non-aggression pact among the British Empire, China, Japan, the Netherlands, the Soviet Union, Thailand and the United States. Both Governments will endeavor to conclude among the American, British, Chinese, Japanese, the Netherlands and Thai Governments an agreement whereunder each of the Governments would pledge itself to respect the territorial integrity of French Indochina. The Government of Japan will withdraw all military, naval, air and police forces from China and from Indochina. The Government of the United States and the Government of Japan will not support—militarily, politically, economically—any government or regime in China other than the National Government of the Republic of China.
The Origin of this source is valuable for a historian studying Japanese and American relations before the attack on Pearl Harbour because it is an official US Government proposal sent to the Japanese and hence accurately demonstrates the US Government's stance. The Purpose of the document was to negotiate an agreement with the Japanese government, making it valuable because the demands in the Hull Note are likely to reflect the genuine intentions of the U.S. government. The Content of the source is valuable as it mentions the specific the United States made to Japan just before the attack on Pearl Harbour. The Content is however also limited for a historian studying American and Japanese relations before the attack on Pearl Harbour because the source covers only the US perspective.
Example 3
Mao Zedong in an interview with the American journalist Edgar Snow. Mao’s secretary was the interpreter (16 July 1936).
In the anti-Japanese war, the Chinese people would have on their side greater advantages than those the Red Army has utilized in its struggle with the Guomindang. China is a very big nation, and… if Japan should succeed in occupying even a large section of China, getting possession of an area with as many as 100 or even 200 million people, we would still be far from defeated … As for munitions, the Japanese cannot seize our arsenals in the interior, which are sufficient to equip Chinese armies for many years, nor can they prevent us from capturing great amounts of arms and ammunitions from their own hands… Economically, of course, China is not unified. But the uneven development of China’s economy also presents advantages in a war against the highly centralized and highly concentrated economy of Japan… It is impossible for Japan to isolate all of China: China’s Northwest, Southwest, and West cannot be blockaded by Japan. The central point of the problem becomes the mobilization and unification of the entire Chinese people and the building up of a united front.
The Origin of the source is valuable for a historian studying the Second United Front as it covers the position of Mao Zedong – a key figure of the Second United Front. The Origin may however also be limited, since the interview was conducted through an interpreter which might have resulted in potential misinterpretations. The Purpose of the source is limited because Mao, aware that the interview would be shared with the public, may have tailored his responses to gain support and influence public opinion. The Content of the source is valuable as it outlines the advantages China would have in a conflict with Japan and the benefits of establishing a United Front. The Content is of the source also makes it limited because it only covers Mao's perspective.
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