AS
HISTORY
AQA AS History The quest for political stability: Germany,
1871–1991 Component 1L Empire to democracy,
1871–1929 (7041/1L) 2026
Materials
For this paper you must have:
• an AQA 16-page answer book.
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is
7041/1L.
• Answer two questions.
In Section A answer Question 01.
In Section B answer either Question 02 or Question 03.
Information
• The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
• The maximum mark for this paper is 50.
• You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
Advice
• You are advised to spend about:
– 50 minutes on Section A
– 40 minutes on Section B.
7041/1L
, 2
Section A
Answer Question 01.
Extract A
Bismarck would have found it impossible to rule without the consent of the people via their
representatives in the Reichstag. In his role as chancellor, it was Bismarck’s task to
control the Reichstag. Constitutionally unable to initiate legislation, the Reichstag
nevertheless had the right to block the draft laws it was presented with and did so often.
Therefore, Bismarck had to work hard to convince the 394 representatives to go along with 5
his plans. Bismarck had created a system where laws could only be passed with
the approval of the representatives of the German people. The period was, therefore,
dominated as much by liberalism and democratic thought as it was by nationalism and
authoritarianism.
Adapted from K Hoyer, Blood and Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German Empire
1871–1918, 2021
Extract B
Imperial Germany could not be classed as a democratic state. The elected majority did
not have the last word in the government. The contrast between the appearance of
democracy and the reality of autocracy arose from the dominance of Prussia within
the Empire. The position of Prussia in the constitution gave its rulers an effective veto on
change in the federal structure. The appearance of constitutional government was a false 5
impression because social and political life were based on institutions and attitudes suited
to an autocratic government. For example, the chancellor and ministers were not
responsible to the Reichstag but to the emperor. True parliamentary government was
impossible.
Adapted from JM Roberts, Europe 1880–1945, 1970
0 1 With reference to these extracts and your understanding of the historical context, which
of these two extracts provides the more convincing interpretation of political authority in
Germany in the years 1871 to 1890?
[25 marks]
IB/M/Jun25/7041/1L
, 3
Section B
Answer either Question 02 or Question 03.
Either
0 2 ‘The traditional, aristocratic elites retained their social and political dominance
in the years 1890 to 1914.’
Explain why you agree or disagree with this view.
[25 marks]
or
0 3 ‘In the years 1919 to 1929, left-wing and right-wing extremists did not pose a significant
threat to Weimar democracy.’
Explain why you agree or disagree with this view.
[25 marks]
END OF QUESTIONS
IB/M/Jun25/7041/1L
HISTORY
AQA AS History The quest for political stability: Germany,
1871–1991 Component 1L Empire to democracy,
1871–1929 (7041/1L) 2026
Materials
For this paper you must have:
• an AQA 16-page answer book.
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is
7041/1L.
• Answer two questions.
In Section A answer Question 01.
In Section B answer either Question 02 or Question 03.
Information
• The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
• The maximum mark for this paper is 50.
• You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
Advice
• You are advised to spend about:
– 50 minutes on Section A
– 40 minutes on Section B.
7041/1L
, 2
Section A
Answer Question 01.
Extract A
Bismarck would have found it impossible to rule without the consent of the people via their
representatives in the Reichstag. In his role as chancellor, it was Bismarck’s task to
control the Reichstag. Constitutionally unable to initiate legislation, the Reichstag
nevertheless had the right to block the draft laws it was presented with and did so often.
Therefore, Bismarck had to work hard to convince the 394 representatives to go along with 5
his plans. Bismarck had created a system where laws could only be passed with
the approval of the representatives of the German people. The period was, therefore,
dominated as much by liberalism and democratic thought as it was by nationalism and
authoritarianism.
Adapted from K Hoyer, Blood and Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German Empire
1871–1918, 2021
Extract B
Imperial Germany could not be classed as a democratic state. The elected majority did
not have the last word in the government. The contrast between the appearance of
democracy and the reality of autocracy arose from the dominance of Prussia within
the Empire. The position of Prussia in the constitution gave its rulers an effective veto on
change in the federal structure. The appearance of constitutional government was a false 5
impression because social and political life were based on institutions and attitudes suited
to an autocratic government. For example, the chancellor and ministers were not
responsible to the Reichstag but to the emperor. True parliamentary government was
impossible.
Adapted from JM Roberts, Europe 1880–1945, 1970
0 1 With reference to these extracts and your understanding of the historical context, which
of these two extracts provides the more convincing interpretation of political authority in
Germany in the years 1871 to 1890?
[25 marks]
IB/M/Jun25/7041/1L
, 3
Section B
Answer either Question 02 or Question 03.
Either
0 2 ‘The traditional, aristocratic elites retained their social and political dominance
in the years 1890 to 1914.’
Explain why you agree or disagree with this view.
[25 marks]
or
0 3 ‘In the years 1919 to 1929, left-wing and right-wing extremists did not pose a significant
threat to Weimar democracy.’
Explain why you agree or disagree with this view.
[25 marks]
END OF QUESTIONS
IB/M/Jun25/7041/1L
