CSS 2019 – History of USA: Examiner’s Feedback and Student Guide

Introduction

History of USA is one of the most widely chosen history optionals in CSS because of its short syllabus, overlap with Current Affairs and International Relations, and relevance to Pakistan-US relations. Many aspirants expect it to be “scoring.” However, the examiner’s report for CE-2019 revealed that most candidates underperformed due to narrative-style writing, poor chronological grip, and lack of analytical depth.

Examiner Feedback (2019)

The examiner observed:

• Overall performance was disappointing.
• Many candidates wrote long narratives of events (wars, presidents, reforms) without analyzing causes or consequences.
• Some showed confusion in chronology, mixing up events and presidencies.
• Answers often lacked evaluation of historical significance.
• Few candidates connected US history with Pakistan or global politics, missing an opportunity to enrich their answers.
• A small number of well-prepared candidates who wrote analytically, used timelines, and connected history with lessons performed well【Examiner-Reports-CE-2019.pdf†L180-L188】.

Common Mistakes by Candidates

1. Narrative writing
   • Simply retelling events instead of analyzing their significance.
2. Chronological confusion
   • Mixing up pre-Civil War, Civil War, and Reconstruction events.
3. Ignoring themes beyond wars
   • Neglecting civil rights, constitutional development, and economic history.
4. No application to Pakistan/Current Affairs
   • Not linking US foreign policy (e.g., Cold War, War on Terror) to Pakistan.
5. Poor structure and language
   • Answers lacked outlines, headings, and analytical flow.

Practical Preparation Strategies

1. Study chronologically + thematically
   • Cover periods systematically:
     • Colonial & Revolution (1607–1789)
     • Civil War & Reconstruction (1860s)
     • Industrialization & Progressive Era
     • World Wars & Cold War
     • Post-9/11 US foreign policy
2. Analyze, don’t narrate
   • Focus on causes → events → impacts → lessons.
   • Example: Civil Rights Movement → causes (segregation), leaders (MLK Jr.), outcomes (Civil Rights Act), significance for democracy.
3. Incorporate maps and timelines
   • A simple timeline of presidents or wars makes answers examiner-friendly.
4. Link to Pakistan
   • Relate Cold War, War on Terror, US aid policies, and Trump-era relations to Pakistan.
5. Quote historians
   • Use scholarly opinions to strengthen arguments (e.g., Howard Zinn, Susan-Mary Grant).
6. Organize answers
   • Intro → background → analysis → modern relevance → conclusion.
7. Use standard references
   • Books: Majumdar’s History of USA, David Mauk & John Oakland – American Civilization.

Encouraging Closing Note

The CSS 2019 examiner’s report makes it clear: History of USA punishes rote learners but rewards analytical thinkers. Those who wrote narratives failed, while those who explained causes, impacts, and lessons scored better.

Remember: History of USA is not just about memorizing events — it’s about showing how those events shaped America and the world. If you analyze critically, use timelines, and link with Pakistan’s foreign policy, you’ll stand out.

Stay motivated: every timeline you prepare, every reform you analyze, every lesson you extract brings you closer to success. With discipline, this can be one of your most scoring optionals.