Paper 1 Section B/A: Conflict and tension: the First World War,

June 2020

Q1: Source A is critical of Germany during the First World War. How do you know?

Explain your answer using Source A and your contextual knowledge. Study Sources B and C in the Sources Booklet.

Answer:

features of the source. For example, the cartoon suggests that Germany is pleased that the ship has been sunk and innocent people have been killed. Although still neutral in the war, America protested strongly when the Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat as part of the policy of ‘unrestricted submarine warfare.’ For example, the cartoon shows America is angry with Germany. The cartoon was published in France – it will be biased against Germany.

Q2: How useful are Sources B and C to an historian studying the Balkans in 1908–1909?

Explain your answer using Sources B and C and your contextual knowledge.

Answer:

In analysing and evaluating sources, students will draw on their contextual example, the context of the time in which source was created, place, author’s evaluate the relationship between the sources based on analysis of For example, the sources are useful because they illustrate why, despite its distance from Central Europe, the Balkans became a focus of tension between the main European powers from 1908 onwards. They both refer to the decline of Turkish influence and show how other countries competed to fill the power For example, Source B shows that the Emperor of Austria-Hungary sought, and received, Germany’s support. This was an important part of the Balkans crisis of 1908 because it meant that Austria felt secure enough to be able to defy Russia’s objections to the annexation. Austria-Hungary became the dominant power in the Balkans once the Turkish Empire collapsed. The provenance of Source C reflects a critical view that Austria had no right to take over Bosnia. The cartoon suggests it is like stealing baby birds from a nest. The Bosnian people did not want to be controlled by Austria. For example, Source B shows that Austria felt they had to make sure they had Germany’s support for the annexation of Bosnia. Source C shows that the Balkan countries are trying to fight off Austria Hungary. The magazine does not agree with Germany’s support of Austria’s to the enquiry point, for example, Source B says that Turkey is weak. Source C shows that lots of European powers wanted to take control of Balkan

Q3: Write an account of how trench warfare on the Western Front led to a war of attrition.

Answer:

with complex sequencing and reasoning supported by a range of accurate and example, to an analysis of how/why tension increased at different stages and /or showing understanding about how much each part of the sequence increased tension and led to a crisis. For example, analysis of different causes/consequences over time. Attrition was relied on because there were no tactical or technological breakthroughs in trench warfare on either side. developed sequencing and reasoning supported by a range of accurate factual analysis of how/why tension increased at one stage in the process. For example, trench warfare led to a war of attrition because both sides resorted to trying to wear down the enemy in order to defeat them. The artillery barrages did not destroy the trenches as they were expected to. The new weapons such as machine guns made trenches easy to defend when soldiers went over the top. For example, trench warfare created dreadful living conditions for soldiers. The trenches became full of mud during winter and were infested with rats. Neither side could win a decisive victory in trench warfare. thousands of soldiers were killed in No Man’s Land. should demonstrate their ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning which is coherent, relevant, substantiated and logically structured.

Q4: ‘The arrival of American forces was the main reason for the defeat of Germany in the

First World War.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [SPaG 4 marks] 206G8145/1b/a

Answer:

explanation of the relationship between causes supported by detailed factual For example, the arrival of American forces had a significant effect on the defeat of Germany but only in the last months of the war. Having entered the war in 1917 it took time for American troops to be trained prior to being sent into battle in France. There were other key factors that contributed to defeat because they caused the gradual depletion of German strength since 1914 such as military offensives and the naval blockade. For example, the arrival of American forces was a main reason for the defeat of Germany because it strengthened the Allies ability to fight once Russia had withdrawn from the war. America had used its navy to provide convoy protection for merchant shipping that brought food and materials to Great Britain and when troops reached the western front, the Allies were successful during the ‘Hundred Days’. For example, Military weakness was another reason for Germany’s defeat. Although the Spring Offensive in 1918 had short term success by breaking through the Allied line, Ludendorff had lost huge numbers of men and did not have reserves to replace them. When the allies counter attacked, the Germans had to retreat. For example, the effects of the British Naval Blockade were a reason of the defeat of Germany. The blockade weakened German industry and agriculture. It also caused starvation among the civilian population. There were riots in Germany to demand an end to the war. of American forces gave the Allies extra soldiers and weapons. was defeated because the Ludendorff Offensive failed. • The learner’s achievement in SPaG does not reach the threshold