IB History HL · Unit 20 of 6

IB History HL Unit 20: Paper 3 · History of Asia and Oceania

Unit 20 of IB History covers Paper 3 · History of Asia and Oceania. This unit contains 18 topics and 36 sub-topics. Below you'll find free study notes, flashcards, and exam preparation resources for every topic in this unit.

Higher Level students should treat this unit page as a route map: revise the shared core, then use the HL notes and topic links to reach the extra depth and evaluation expected at HL.

18 topics36 sub-topics

Exam technique guide

What Unit 20 covers

HL Paper 3 regional depth study — History of Asia and Oceania (18 prescribed topics; study 3).

Topics in Unit 20

20.1

Trade and exchange: The Silk Road in the medieval world (750–1500)

2 sub-topics

20.2

Japan in the Age of the Samurai (1180–1333)

2 sub-topics

20.3

Exploration, trade and interaction in East Asia and South-East Asia (1405–1700)

2 sub-topics

20.4

The rise and fall of the Mughal Empire (1526–1712)

2 sub-topics

20.5

Colonialism and the development of nationalism in South-East Asia (c1750–1914)

2 sub-topics

20.6

India, Afghanistan and Burma (1750–1919)

2 sub-topics

20.7

Challenges to traditional East Asian societies (1700–1868)

2 sub-topics

20.8

British colonialism and emerging national identities in Oceania (1788-1919)

2 sub-topics

20.9

Early modernization and imperial decline in East Asia (1860–1912)

2 sub-topics

20.10

Nationalism and independence in India (1919–1964)

2 sub-topics

20.11

Japan (1912–1990)

2 sub-topics

20.12

China and Korea (1910–1950)

2 sub-topics

20.13

Impact of the Second World War on South-East Asia

2 sub-topics

20.14

The People's Republic of China (1949–2005)

2 sub-topics

20.15

Cold War conflicts in Asia

2 sub-topics

20.16

Developments and challenges in South Asia after 1947

2 sub-topics

20.17

Developments in Oceania after the Second World War (1945–2005)

2 sub-topics

20.18

Social, cultural and economic developments in Asia (excluding China, Japan and India) (1980–2005)

2 sub-topics

Study tip: Work through the topics in order — each builds on concepts from the one before. Start with notes, then reinforce with flashcards and practice questions.

Ready to study Paper 3 · History of Asia and Oceania?

Get AI-powered practice questions, personalised feedback, and a study planner tailored to your IB History HL exam date.

Start studying free

Unit 19 Unit 21