2025 OCR A Level History A Y208/01 Philip II 1556–1598
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Thursday 12 June 2025 – Morning
A Level History A
Y208/01 Philip II 1556–1598
Time allowed: 1 hour
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.
• Choose one question and answer all the parts of that question.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 30.
• 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 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
OCR A Level History A Y208/01 Philip II 1556–1598 QS&MS
Summer 2025
, 2
BLANK PAGE
© OCR 2025 Y208/01 Jun25
, 3
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1
(a) Which of the following was the greater problem for Philip II?
(i) Relations with the Papacy
(ii) Moriscos
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* ‘The military ability of leaders was the most important factor in determining the outcomes of revolt
in the Netherlands during the reign of Philip II.’
How far do you agree? [20]
2
(a) Which of the following were the greater challenge to the government of Spain during the reign of Philip
II?
(i) Law and order
(ii) Finances and the economy
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* ‘The victory at Lepanto (1571) was Philip II’s greatest foreign policy achievement.’
How far do you agree? [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y208/01 Jun25
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Thursday 12 June 2025 – Morning
A Level History A
Y208/01 Philip II 1556–1598
Time allowed: 1 hour
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.
• Choose one question and answer all the parts of that question.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 30.
• 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 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
OCR A Level History A Y208/01 Philip II 1556–1598 QS&MS
Summer 2025
, 2
BLANK PAGE
© OCR 2025 Y208/01 Jun25
, 3
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1
(a) Which of the following was the greater problem for Philip II?
(i) Relations with the Papacy
(ii) Moriscos
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* ‘The military ability of leaders was the most important factor in determining the outcomes of revolt
in the Netherlands during the reign of Philip II.’
How far do you agree? [20]
2
(a) Which of the following were the greater challenge to the government of Spain during the reign of Philip
II?
(i) Law and order
(ii) Finances and the economy
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* ‘The victory at Lepanto (1571) was Philip II’s greatest foreign policy achievement.’
How far do you agree? [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y208/01 Jun25
