Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Tuesday 11 June 2024 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) History B (Schools History Project)
J411/38 The Making of America, 1789–1900
with Aztecs and the Spanish Conquest, 1519–1535
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
* 2 3 4 3 7 2 8 4 2 0 *
You must have:
• the OCR 12-page Answer Booklet
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers must
be clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Section A – The Making of America, 1789–1900: Answer Questions 1 (a–c), 2, 3 and
either Question 4 or Question 5.
• Section B – Aztecs and the Spanish Conquest, 1519–1535: Answer Questions 6 and 7,
and either Question 8 or Question 9.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 80.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 8 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2024 [601/8408/5] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (ST) 344907 Turn over
, 2
Section A
The Making of America, 1789–1900
Answer Questions 1 (a–c), 2 and 3.
1
(a) Identify one way in which the Lakota Sioux used the buffalo. [1]
(b) Name a new technology or development that helped Homesteaders survive on the Plains
after 1861. [1]
(c) Identify one way in which African Americans tried to improve their lives between 1877 and 1900.
[1]
2 Write a clear and organised summary that analyses the American Civil War.
Support your summary with examples. [9]
3 What was the impact of the growth of big business and/or cities during the period 1877–1900?
Explain your answer. [10]
Answer Question 4 or Question 5.
4* ‘The main reason the USA expanded between 1789 and 1838 was because land was taken from
Native American tribes in wars.’
How far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer. [18]
5* ‘Between 1861 and 1877, Native Americans of the Plains had no success in challenging the US
government and white settlement.’
How far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer. [18]
© OCR 2024 J411/38 Jun24
, 3
Section B
Aztecs and the Spanish Conquest, 1519–1535
Answer Questions 6 and 7.
6 What can Source A tell us about the Aztecs?
Use the source and your own knowledge to support your answer. [7]
Source A
An extract from the ‘Durán Codex’ written by Friar Diego Durán in 1581. Durán was born in
Spain, but his family moved to Mexico in the 1540s when he was very young. Durán was fluent
in the Aztec language and won the trust of the native people of Mexico. His book was based on
interviews with the native people.
A large stone was carved in the likeness of the sun and a great feast was held. The
kings of the surrounding states were invited to the feast and ceremony. They all sent fine
gifts in gratitude. After the sacrifice of prisoners from Coixtlahuaca, the great feast was
held. The Warriors of the Sun celebrated by consuming much human flesh.
These warriors also gathered at the ‘House of Eagles’ where they practised the use of
weapons. No one could enter that house unless he was a son of a knight. The Aztecs
distinguished between the noble chieftains and the warriors, between the warriors and
the shield bearers, and between these and the lower officials who were commoners. In
the palace there were special rooms for people of different rank. The common people
had no business entering the royal buildings, and the death penalty was used on any
common man who dared pass the royal doors.
© OCR 2024 J411/38 Jun24 Turn over
, 4
7 How useful are Sources B and C and Interpretation D for a historian studying New Spain
(Mexico) in the years after the fall of the Aztec Empire?
In your answer, refer to the two sources and the interpretation as well as your own knowledge.
[15]
Source B
An extract from a letter written by one of the four members of the Second Audiencia. The author
was writing to the Council of the Indies in August 1531.
The Council of the Indies was located in Spain and was a royal institution set up to oversee the
government of Spain’s colonies. The Second Audiencia governed New Spain but was under the
authority of the Council of the Indies. The Second Audiencia started its work in 1530.
You cannot imagine the greed, disorder and laziness of the Spanish in this country.
Those who have encomiendas think only of making the greatest possible profit out
of them, without bothering the least bit about the welfare or religious instruction of
the Indians. Those who do not have encomiendas complain insolently that they have
nothing to live on. If told they are able to work, they answer that they took part in the
conquest.
The Indians should not be made to work for Spaniards more than thirty-five days a year.
However, this service does keep the Indians from indulging in sin, crimes and laziness.
Source C
An extract from ‘The True History of the Conquest of New Spain’ written by Bernal Díaz, one of
Cortés’ Spanish invaders. He started to work on his book many years after the conquest and
later added more to it in response to the work of other writers. Díaz felt that these other writers
were either too critical of his fellow soldiers or did not give them enough credit for their role in the
conquest.
After getting rid of their idols, the Indians were baptised. Most of them have successfully
learned all the trades we have in Spain, and earn a living by them. There are gold and
silversmiths and other excellent craftsmen who do the most beautiful work, especially
in depicting our Saviour Jesus Christ. If one had not seen them do it, one would never
believe it was the Indians’ work. Many of the sons of chieftains know how to read and
write. Many are also rich, own horses and have bull fights especially on saints’ days.
Other Indians breed cattle, plough the land and grow wheat to sell. They have planted
their lands with all the trees and fruits we brought from Spain.
We have shown the Indians how to use our laws from Spain and how to appoint officials
and have courthouses. In towns like Tlaxcala and Cholula, justice is carried out with as
much care as in Spain. They desire to know much more about the laws of Spain.
© OCR 2024 J411/38 Jun24
Tuesday 11 June 2024 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) History B (Schools History Project)
J411/38 The Making of America, 1789–1900
with Aztecs and the Spanish Conquest, 1519–1535
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
* 2 3 4 3 7 2 8 4 2 0 *
You must have:
• the OCR 12-page Answer Booklet
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers must
be clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Section A – The Making of America, 1789–1900: Answer Questions 1 (a–c), 2, 3 and
either Question 4 or Question 5.
• Section B – Aztecs and the Spanish Conquest, 1519–1535: Answer Questions 6 and 7,
and either Question 8 or Question 9.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 80.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 8 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2024 [601/8408/5] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (ST) 344907 Turn over
, 2
Section A
The Making of America, 1789–1900
Answer Questions 1 (a–c), 2 and 3.
1
(a) Identify one way in which the Lakota Sioux used the buffalo. [1]
(b) Name a new technology or development that helped Homesteaders survive on the Plains
after 1861. [1]
(c) Identify one way in which African Americans tried to improve their lives between 1877 and 1900.
[1]
2 Write a clear and organised summary that analyses the American Civil War.
Support your summary with examples. [9]
3 What was the impact of the growth of big business and/or cities during the period 1877–1900?
Explain your answer. [10]
Answer Question 4 or Question 5.
4* ‘The main reason the USA expanded between 1789 and 1838 was because land was taken from
Native American tribes in wars.’
How far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer. [18]
5* ‘Between 1861 and 1877, Native Americans of the Plains had no success in challenging the US
government and white settlement.’
How far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer. [18]
© OCR 2024 J411/38 Jun24
, 3
Section B
Aztecs and the Spanish Conquest, 1519–1535
Answer Questions 6 and 7.
6 What can Source A tell us about the Aztecs?
Use the source and your own knowledge to support your answer. [7]
Source A
An extract from the ‘Durán Codex’ written by Friar Diego Durán in 1581. Durán was born in
Spain, but his family moved to Mexico in the 1540s when he was very young. Durán was fluent
in the Aztec language and won the trust of the native people of Mexico. His book was based on
interviews with the native people.
A large stone was carved in the likeness of the sun and a great feast was held. The
kings of the surrounding states were invited to the feast and ceremony. They all sent fine
gifts in gratitude. After the sacrifice of prisoners from Coixtlahuaca, the great feast was
held. The Warriors of the Sun celebrated by consuming much human flesh.
These warriors also gathered at the ‘House of Eagles’ where they practised the use of
weapons. No one could enter that house unless he was a son of a knight. The Aztecs
distinguished between the noble chieftains and the warriors, between the warriors and
the shield bearers, and between these and the lower officials who were commoners. In
the palace there were special rooms for people of different rank. The common people
had no business entering the royal buildings, and the death penalty was used on any
common man who dared pass the royal doors.
© OCR 2024 J411/38 Jun24 Turn over
, 4
7 How useful are Sources B and C and Interpretation D for a historian studying New Spain
(Mexico) in the years after the fall of the Aztec Empire?
In your answer, refer to the two sources and the interpretation as well as your own knowledge.
[15]
Source B
An extract from a letter written by one of the four members of the Second Audiencia. The author
was writing to the Council of the Indies in August 1531.
The Council of the Indies was located in Spain and was a royal institution set up to oversee the
government of Spain’s colonies. The Second Audiencia governed New Spain but was under the
authority of the Council of the Indies. The Second Audiencia started its work in 1530.
You cannot imagine the greed, disorder and laziness of the Spanish in this country.
Those who have encomiendas think only of making the greatest possible profit out
of them, without bothering the least bit about the welfare or religious instruction of
the Indians. Those who do not have encomiendas complain insolently that they have
nothing to live on. If told they are able to work, they answer that they took part in the
conquest.
The Indians should not be made to work for Spaniards more than thirty-five days a year.
However, this service does keep the Indians from indulging in sin, crimes and laziness.
Source C
An extract from ‘The True History of the Conquest of New Spain’ written by Bernal Díaz, one of
Cortés’ Spanish invaders. He started to work on his book many years after the conquest and
later added more to it in response to the work of other writers. Díaz felt that these other writers
were either too critical of his fellow soldiers or did not give them enough credit for their role in the
conquest.
After getting rid of their idols, the Indians were baptised. Most of them have successfully
learned all the trades we have in Spain, and earn a living by them. There are gold and
silversmiths and other excellent craftsmen who do the most beautiful work, especially
in depicting our Saviour Jesus Christ. If one had not seen them do it, one would never
believe it was the Indians’ work. Many of the sons of chieftains know how to read and
write. Many are also rich, own horses and have bull fights especially on saints’ days.
Other Indians breed cattle, plough the land and grow wheat to sell. They have planted
their lands with all the trees and fruits we brought from Spain.
We have shown the Indians how to use our laws from Spain and how to appoint officials
and have courthouses. In towns like Tlaxcala and Cholula, justice is carried out with as
much care as in Spain. They desire to know much more about the laws of Spain.
© OCR 2024 J411/38 Jun24
