A LEVEL HISTORY A: Actual June 2025 PAST PAPER 1: Britain 1900–1951. All Assessment
Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y112/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The A Level History A June 2025 Britain 1900–1951 Paper (OCR Y112/01) combines the full official
examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a focused and comprehensive revision
resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of the political, social, and economic developments
in Britain during the first half of the 20th century, including the impacts of the World Wars, the interwar
period, and the post-war recovery. Candidates are required to analyse primary and secondary sources,
evaluate differing historical interpretations, and construct coherent, evidence-based arguments. By
presenting each question alongside its marking criteria, the resource offers clear guidance on examiner
expectations, analytical depth, and the structured responses required for high-band marks. This integrated
format strengthens source evaluation, critical thinking, and essay-writing skills, preparing students
thoroughly for the May/June 2026 OCR A Level History A Britain 1900–1951 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
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, 2
Section A
England and a New Century c.1900–1918
Study the four sources and answer Question 1.
1 ‘Working people were prepared to sacrifice their rights and liberties to support the national war
effort.’
Use the four sources in their historical context to assess how far they support this view. [30]
Source A: A female factory worker speaks of her experience in a factory a few days after she
gave up working there.
Over and over again, the foreman gave me wrong directions which gave me hours more work. I had
no tools that I needed and it was out of the question to borrow anything from the men. Two shop
stewards informed me on the first day that they had no objection to my working there, provided I
received the full men’s rate of pay. None of the men would give me any help. The other night, my
drawer was nailed up by them and oil was poured over everything in it through a crack. I felt I had not
sufficient skill to hold my own against an antagonistic foreman and I decided to give up.
Dorothy Poole, recorded remarks, 1915
Source B: A miners’ leader explains his opposition to agreements made by trade unions with
the government.
The nationalistic cry of patriotism is failing in its power to distract the mind and consciousness of the
worker. The chains of slavery are being welded tighter upon us. The ruling classes are over‑ reaching
themselves in their hurry to enslave us. Comrades, I appeal to you to rouse your union to protect the
liberties of its members. An industrial truce was entered into by our leaders behind our backs. Away
with the industrial truce! We must not stand by and allow the workers to be exploited and our liberties
taken away.
A. J. Cook, speech, April 1916
Source C: A member of the Land Army writes about working on a farm near Nantwich,
Cheshire.
We do have fun though the most part is really heavy, dirty work. I was knocked over by a calf this
morning. My farmer is also the village blacksmith and I am learning to shoe a horse and blow the
bellows. Some people tell me that I shall not be able to go on with my farm work in the winter because
it will make my hands so bad. But I intend to stick to it. Our men don’t stop fighting in the cold weather
and neither shall I. My only brother is in the trenches so you know how I feel!
Dorothy Chalmers, journal, summer 1917
© OCR 2025 Y112/01 Jun25
, 3
Source D: The Commission of Enquiry into Industrial Unrest summarises the findings of the
eight reports undertaken.
There is a strong feeling of patriotism on the part of employers and employed throughout the country
and they are determined to help the state in its present crisis. Feelings of a revolutionary character
are not entertained by the bulk of the men. On the contrary, the majority of the workmen are sensible
of the national difficulties. Of the main causes of industrial unrest, the reports emphasised the
Munitions of War Acts, high food prices, restrictions on liquor, lack of proper organisation amongst the
unions and the inconsiderate treatment of women.
G. N. Barnes, MP, Report, July 1917
© OCR 2025 Y112/01 Jun25 Turn over
Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y112/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The A Level History A June 2025 Britain 1900–1951 Paper (OCR Y112/01) combines the full official
examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a focused and comprehensive revision
resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of the political, social, and economic developments
in Britain during the first half of the 20th century, including the impacts of the World Wars, the interwar
period, and the post-war recovery. Candidates are required to analyse primary and secondary sources,
evaluate differing historical interpretations, and construct coherent, evidence-based arguments. By
presenting each question alongside its marking criteria, the resource offers clear guidance on examiner
expectations, analytical depth, and the structured responses required for high-band marks. This integrated
format strengthens source evaluation, critical thinking, and essay-writing skills, preparing students
thoroughly for the May/June 2026 OCR A Level History A Britain 1900–1951 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
England and a New Century c.1900–1918
Study the four sources and answer Question 1.
1 ‘Working people were prepared to sacrifice their rights and liberties to support the national war
effort.’
Use the four sources in their historical context to assess how far they support this view. [30]
Source A: A female factory worker speaks of her experience in a factory a few days after she
gave up working there.
Over and over again, the foreman gave me wrong directions which gave me hours more work. I had
no tools that I needed and it was out of the question to borrow anything from the men. Two shop
stewards informed me on the first day that they had no objection to my working there, provided I
received the full men’s rate of pay. None of the men would give me any help. The other night, my
drawer was nailed up by them and oil was poured over everything in it through a crack. I felt I had not
sufficient skill to hold my own against an antagonistic foreman and I decided to give up.
Dorothy Poole, recorded remarks, 1915
Source B: A miners’ leader explains his opposition to agreements made by trade unions with
the government.
The nationalistic cry of patriotism is failing in its power to distract the mind and consciousness of the
worker. The chains of slavery are being welded tighter upon us. The ruling classes are over‑ reaching
themselves in their hurry to enslave us. Comrades, I appeal to you to rouse your union to protect the
liberties of its members. An industrial truce was entered into by our leaders behind our backs. Away
with the industrial truce! We must not stand by and allow the workers to be exploited and our liberties
taken away.
A. J. Cook, speech, April 1916
Source C: A member of the Land Army writes about working on a farm near Nantwich,
Cheshire.
We do have fun though the most part is really heavy, dirty work. I was knocked over by a calf this
morning. My farmer is also the village blacksmith and I am learning to shoe a horse and blow the
bellows. Some people tell me that I shall not be able to go on with my farm work in the winter because
it will make my hands so bad. But I intend to stick to it. Our men don’t stop fighting in the cold weather
and neither shall I. My only brother is in the trenches so you know how I feel!
Dorothy Chalmers, journal, summer 1917
© OCR 2025 Y112/01 Jun25
, 3
Source D: The Commission of Enquiry into Industrial Unrest summarises the findings of the
eight reports undertaken.
There is a strong feeling of patriotism on the part of employers and employed throughout the country
and they are determined to help the state in its present crisis. Feelings of a revolutionary character
are not entertained by the bulk of the men. On the contrary, the majority of the workmen are sensible
of the national difficulties. Of the main causes of industrial unrest, the reports emphasised the
Munitions of War Acts, high food prices, restrictions on liquor, lack of proper organisation amongst the
unions and the inconsiderate treatment of women.
G. N. Barnes, MP, Report, July 1917
© OCR 2025 Y112/01 Jun25 Turn over
