GCSE (9–1) HISTORY B — June 2025 PAST PAPER: The People’s Health & Britain in
Peace and War Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J411/13]
Exam Resource Summary
The June 2025 GCSE (9–1) History B The People’s Health c.1250 to Present with Britain in Peace
and War 1900–1918 Paper (OCR J411/13) provides a fully merged resource that integrates the
complete examination paper with its official mark scheme. This format enables learners to
understand how each question is assessed, making examiner expectations explicit and highlighting
the criteria for high-band responses. This component examines two major historical themes: the
evolution of public health in Britain from the medieval period to modern times, and Britain’s social,
political, and military experience during the early twentieth century, including the First World War.
Candidates are required to analyse historical sources, evaluate differing interpretations, and
construct coherent, evidence-based arguments demonstrating continuity, change, and causation. By
pairing each question with detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens analytical and
evaluative skills, supports the development of structured and precise written responses, and
enhances confidence in tackling complex historical topics. It serves as a focused revision tool,
preparing students thoroughly for the 2026 OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project)
examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
The People’s Health, c.1250 to present
Answer Questions 1(a–c), 2 and 3.
1
(a) Give one example of how early modern towns tried to improve public health in their local areas
between 1500 and 1750. [1]
(b) Name one way in which people in towns obtained their water between 1750 and 1900. [1]
(c) Name one person whose work during the 1900s had a positive effect on public health. [1]
2 Write a clear and organised summary that analyses responses to outbreaks of plague during the
period 1348 (the Black Death) to c.1670.
Support your summary with examples. [9]
3 Why did the gin craze become a significant public health issue during the period 1660 to 1751?
Explain your answer. [10]
Answer Question 4 or Question 5.
4* ‘Government action was not effective in improving public health between 1750 and 1900.’
How far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer. [18]
5* ‘Since c.1900, changes in living conditions and lifestyles in Britain have improved people’s
health.’
How far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer. [18]
© OCR 2025 J411/13 Jun25
, 3
Section B
Britain in Peace and War, 1900–1918
Answer Questions 6(a–b) and 7.
6
(a) In Interpretation A, the historian tries to show the strength of the support for the Boer War in
some parts of Britain.
Identify and explain one way in which he does this. [3]
Interpretation A
An extract from a book called ‘Lloyd George’ by historian Peter Rowland, published in 1975.
This extract describes Lloyd George’s experiences at a meeting in Birmingham in 1901. Lloyd
George was a Liberal MP who was due to speak about the Liberals’ opposition to the Boer War.
By 8 o’clock the hall was jammed full with seven thousand people, the great majority of whom
were waving Union Jacks, blowing trumpets or whistles, shouting, chanting and singing. They
were determined that Lloyd George should not be heard.
Lloyd George rose to his feet, took off his coat and started to talk, despite the incredible noise
in the room. Within five minutes, however, the audience made a huge surge towards the stage
on which he was standing. At this point a group of policemen concealed beneath the stage
rushed out of their hiding place and an ugly struggle between truncheons on the one hand and
hammers and knives on the other got underway.
Lloyd George found himself under attack from a torrent of missiles – cans, bottles and bricks
wrapped with barbed wire. In danger of losing his life, he was eventually forced to leave.
(b) If you were asked to do further research on one aspect of Interpretation A, what would you
choose to investigate?
Explain how this would help us to analyse and understand attitudes in Britain towards the Boer
War. [5]
© OCR 2025 J411/13 Jun25 Turn over
, 4
7 Interpretations B and C both focus on the campaign for women’s suffrage.
How far do they differ and what might explain any differences? [12]
Interpretation B
An extract from an article about Millicent Fawcett on the website of the Fawcett Society.
The Fawcett Society is a charity which campaigns for women’s rights. It is named after Millicent
Fawcett who was the President of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (Suffragists)
from 1907 to 1919.
MILLICENT FAWCETT: A TIRELESS AND COURAGEOUS LEADER
We’ve been fighting for women’s equality since 1866 when, at just 19, Millicent Fawcett started
a petition for women’s votes. She went on to lead the peaceful suffrage campaign and made
this cause her lifetime’s work.
Fawcett became President of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (Suffragists).
With 50,000 members, it was the largest organisation campaigning for female suffrage at
the time. Her powerful but moderate campaign played a significant role in securing the first
extension of voting rights for women in 1918.
In 2018, 100 years since women first secured the right to vote, Millicent Fawcett made history
once again. She was the first woman commemorated with a statue in Parliament Square – an
important moment for the wider suffrage movement, and for women everywhere.
Interpretation C
An extract from an article in a British newspaper published in 2017. The article was written
by June Purvis, a historian who has written a biography of Emmeline Pankhurst. Emmeline
Pankhurst was the leader of the WSPU (Suffragettes).
The news that permission has been granted for a statue of Millicent Fawcett in Parliament
Square has not made me rejoice. It is wonderful that there will be a woman in that honoured
space outside Parliament, but by erecting a statue only of Fawcett, we are writing Emmeline
Pankhurst out of history.
The suffragists, under Millicent Fawcett, adopted legal tactics, such as writing letters to MPs
and peaceful demonstrations. Fawcett loudly criticised the actions of the militant (extreme)
suffragettes, arguing that they were harming the women’s cause.
Emmeline Pankhurst belongs in Parliament Square. She suffered 13 imprisonments during the
suffrage campaign, where she went on hunger, thirst and sleep strike. Instead, the public will
end up with a statue of a woman few people have heard of.
The names of 52 other women, including those of some suffragettes, are to be included at the
bottom of the statue. But they do not belong under Fawcett’s feet.
© OCR 2025 J411/13 Jun25
Peace and War Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J411/13]
Exam Resource Summary
The June 2025 GCSE (9–1) History B The People’s Health c.1250 to Present with Britain in Peace
and War 1900–1918 Paper (OCR J411/13) provides a fully merged resource that integrates the
complete examination paper with its official mark scheme. This format enables learners to
understand how each question is assessed, making examiner expectations explicit and highlighting
the criteria for high-band responses. This component examines two major historical themes: the
evolution of public health in Britain from the medieval period to modern times, and Britain’s social,
political, and military experience during the early twentieth century, including the First World War.
Candidates are required to analyse historical sources, evaluate differing interpretations, and
construct coherent, evidence-based arguments demonstrating continuity, change, and causation. By
pairing each question with detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens analytical and
evaluative skills, supports the development of structured and precise written responses, and
enhances confidence in tackling complex historical topics. It serves as a focused revision tool,
preparing students thoroughly for the 2026 OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project)
examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
The People’s Health, c.1250 to present
Answer Questions 1(a–c), 2 and 3.
1
(a) Give one example of how early modern towns tried to improve public health in their local areas
between 1500 and 1750. [1]
(b) Name one way in which people in towns obtained their water between 1750 and 1900. [1]
(c) Name one person whose work during the 1900s had a positive effect on public health. [1]
2 Write a clear and organised summary that analyses responses to outbreaks of plague during the
period 1348 (the Black Death) to c.1670.
Support your summary with examples. [9]
3 Why did the gin craze become a significant public health issue during the period 1660 to 1751?
Explain your answer. [10]
Answer Question 4 or Question 5.
4* ‘Government action was not effective in improving public health between 1750 and 1900.’
How far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer. [18]
5* ‘Since c.1900, changes in living conditions and lifestyles in Britain have improved people’s
health.’
How far do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer. [18]
© OCR 2025 J411/13 Jun25
, 3
Section B
Britain in Peace and War, 1900–1918
Answer Questions 6(a–b) and 7.
6
(a) In Interpretation A, the historian tries to show the strength of the support for the Boer War in
some parts of Britain.
Identify and explain one way in which he does this. [3]
Interpretation A
An extract from a book called ‘Lloyd George’ by historian Peter Rowland, published in 1975.
This extract describes Lloyd George’s experiences at a meeting in Birmingham in 1901. Lloyd
George was a Liberal MP who was due to speak about the Liberals’ opposition to the Boer War.
By 8 o’clock the hall was jammed full with seven thousand people, the great majority of whom
were waving Union Jacks, blowing trumpets or whistles, shouting, chanting and singing. They
were determined that Lloyd George should not be heard.
Lloyd George rose to his feet, took off his coat and started to talk, despite the incredible noise
in the room. Within five minutes, however, the audience made a huge surge towards the stage
on which he was standing. At this point a group of policemen concealed beneath the stage
rushed out of their hiding place and an ugly struggle between truncheons on the one hand and
hammers and knives on the other got underway.
Lloyd George found himself under attack from a torrent of missiles – cans, bottles and bricks
wrapped with barbed wire. In danger of losing his life, he was eventually forced to leave.
(b) If you were asked to do further research on one aspect of Interpretation A, what would you
choose to investigate?
Explain how this would help us to analyse and understand attitudes in Britain towards the Boer
War. [5]
© OCR 2025 J411/13 Jun25 Turn over
, 4
7 Interpretations B and C both focus on the campaign for women’s suffrage.
How far do they differ and what might explain any differences? [12]
Interpretation B
An extract from an article about Millicent Fawcett on the website of the Fawcett Society.
The Fawcett Society is a charity which campaigns for women’s rights. It is named after Millicent
Fawcett who was the President of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (Suffragists)
from 1907 to 1919.
MILLICENT FAWCETT: A TIRELESS AND COURAGEOUS LEADER
We’ve been fighting for women’s equality since 1866 when, at just 19, Millicent Fawcett started
a petition for women’s votes. She went on to lead the peaceful suffrage campaign and made
this cause her lifetime’s work.
Fawcett became President of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (Suffragists).
With 50,000 members, it was the largest organisation campaigning for female suffrage at
the time. Her powerful but moderate campaign played a significant role in securing the first
extension of voting rights for women in 1918.
In 2018, 100 years since women first secured the right to vote, Millicent Fawcett made history
once again. She was the first woman commemorated with a statue in Parliament Square – an
important moment for the wider suffrage movement, and for women everywhere.
Interpretation C
An extract from an article in a British newspaper published in 2017. The article was written
by June Purvis, a historian who has written a biography of Emmeline Pankhurst. Emmeline
Pankhurst was the leader of the WSPU (Suffragettes).
The news that permission has been granted for a statue of Millicent Fawcett in Parliament
Square has not made me rejoice. It is wonderful that there will be a woman in that honoured
space outside Parliament, but by erecting a statue only of Fawcett, we are writing Emmeline
Pankhurst out of history.
The suffragists, under Millicent Fawcett, adopted legal tactics, such as writing letters to MPs
and peaceful demonstrations. Fawcett loudly criticised the actions of the militant (extreme)
suffragettes, arguing that they were harming the women’s cause.
Emmeline Pankhurst belongs in Parliament Square. She suffered 13 imprisonments during the
suffrage campaign, where she went on hunger, thirst and sleep strike. Instead, the public will
end up with a statue of a woman few people have heard of.
The names of 52 other women, including those of some suffragettes, are to be included at the
bottom of the statue. But they do not belong under Fawcett’s feet.
© OCR 2025 J411/13 Jun25
