Paper 1 Section A/B: Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship

June 2022

Q1: How does Interpretation B differ from Interpretation A about the Nazis’ rise to

power? Explain your answer based on what it says in Interpretations A and B.

No answer found in mark scheme.

Q2: Why might the authors of Interpretations A and B have a different interpretation

about the Nazis’ rise to power? Explain your answer using Interpretations A and B and your contextual knowledge.

No answer found in mark scheme.

Q3: Which interpretation gives the more convincing opinion about the Nazis’ rise to

power? Explain your answer based on your contextual knowledge and what it says in Interpretations A and B.

No answer found in mark scheme.

Q4: Describe two problems faced by the German people during the Second World War.

Answer:

One problem for the German people after 1942 was the destruction of the cities by the bombing, there was no electricity, water or transport. And people panicked, they left their homes. The bombing caused flooding and explosions of gas as well as the danger of unexploded bombs, the medical services were really stretched with all the injured and thousands of deaths. Another problem faced by the German people during the Second World War was the problem of not having enough food. By November 1939 food and clothing were rationed, most of the supplies were sent to the front for the soldiers and people at home were told that they had to make sacrifices. For example, during the Second World War many Germans died because of the bombing by the Allies which destroyed their homes.

Q5: In what ways were the lives of the German people affected by the Nazi police state?

Explain your answer.

Answer:

For example, in reality the Nazi police state was operated by the people themselves. Germans were frightened by rumours about what happened to people who criticised the Nazis or protested. So, they policed themselves, assisted by a network of informers. They might gain an advantage by reporting someone because it moved suspicion away from them. The Nazis did not need so many actual policeman or Gestapo because the general public lived in a state of fear and watchfulness. For example, the German people were affected by the Nazi Police state because the courts were under Nazi control. The Nazis passed new laws which meant that people could be punished for listening to foreign radio stations, having dealings with German Jews, or even telling an anti-Hitler joke. Germans had to be very careful of what they said in public, how they behaved, and who they knew. For example, The Nazi Police state set up concentration camps firstly for their political enemies – the Communists, but then they were used for Jews and gypsies. In the camps they were made to work hard, tortured or killed. The rumours about these camps kept everyone in check and keen not to draw attention to themselves. The camps were where the Final Solution was carried out and the Holocaust occurred. Many Germans knew or suspected what was happening but were frightened and did not or thought they dared not protest For example, the Nazi Police State meant that people were very careful what they said and did because the Nazis had informers who would report you. Even children could report their parents or teachers. The Gestapo could arrest For example, the Police State made everyone afraid that they could be punished. People were arrested and sent to camps.

Q6: Which of the following was the more important reason for the recovery of Germany

during the Gustav Stresemann era (1924–1929): • economic developments • international agreements? Explain your answer with reference to both bullet points. and AQA will be happy to rectify any omissions of acknowledgements. If you have any queries please contactthe Copyright Team.

Answer:

Complex explanation of both bullets leading to a sustained judgement For example, both reasons are important and worked together to help Germany recover. Stresemann worked to improve the economy after the war and gradually improve Germany’s standing amongst the nations of the world. He stopped the runaway inflation by introducing the Rentenmark in 1924. He negotiated international agreements to get Germany the money in 1924, called the Dawes Plan, which he used to build factories, which gave Germans jobs and paid reparations which helped get the French and Belgian troops out of the Ruhr. He continued to set up good relations with other countries to get money to boost the economy such as the Young Plan in 1929 and negotiate reduced and extended terms for reparations payments. Stresemann was anxious to show that Germany was not a threat so he signed the Kellogg Briand Pact in 1928 to reassure other countries that Germany would not attack them and could be For example, Stresemann helped improve Germany’s relationships with other countries, this restored some of Germany’s pride which had been battered by the country’s treatment in the Versailles Treaty. Germany signed the Locarno Treaty in 1925 with Britain, France, Belgium, and Italy. Germany was admitted to the League of Nations in 1926 which meant she joined the international peacekeeping organisation meant to police the Versailles Treaty. Stresemann also arranged the Dawes and Young Plans which helped get the German economy back up and running. All of these treaties were important because they showed that Germany was being accepted on the international stage and recovered her international reputation. Although some right-wing parties in Germany criticised Stresemann. For example, Stresemann arranged loans from America such as the Dawes Plan in 1924 and the Young Plan in 1929 which meant that German industry could start again and Germans could have jobs. Stresemann used the money to build new factories, houses schools and roads. Basic explanation of bullet(s) For example, Germany recovered under Gustav Stresemann because he made deals for American money to rebuild German industry.