ACTUAL 2025 AQA A-LEVEL HISTORY Component 2K International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–
1941 Question Paper & Mark Scheme (Merged) Friday 6 June 2025 [VERIFIED]
IB/M/Jun25/G4007/V4 7042/2K
, 2
Section A
Answer Question 01.
Source A
From the diary of the Austrian ambassador to Germany, 5 July 1914. This was written after a
meeting with Kaiser Wilhelm II.
First, His Majesty assured me that he had expected severe measures on Austria’s part in regard
to Serbia, but he accepted that as a result of the analysis given by
Emperor Franz Josef, Germany must not lose sight of possible serious European complications. I
laid emphasis on the seriousness of the situation, and the Kaiser authorised me to say that in any
case, Austria-Hungary may rely on full support from Germany. This was true in respect of any 5
measure we might take against Serbia. In the Kaiser’s view there should be no delay in
undertaking these measures. Russia’s position would, in any circumstances, be hostile, but for
this, Germany had been prepared for years. Even if matters caused a war between Austria-
Hungary and Russia, Austria could remain assured that Germany, in her loyalty as an ally, would
10
stand at our side. Russia would certainly think twice before resorting to arms. But Russia might
incite the powers of the Triple Entente against us and fan the flames in the Balkans.
Source B
From a telegram sent to Tsar Nicholas II by Kaiser Wilhelm II, 28 July 1914.
It is with the gravest concern that I hear of the impression which the action of Austria against
Serbia is creating in your country. It is agitation that has been going on for years in Serbia that
has resulted in the outrageous crime to which Archduke Franz Ferdinand fell a victim. You will
agree with me that we both have a common interest, as do all nations, to insist that all the
persons morally responsible for the dastardly murder should receive their deserved 5
punishment. In this case, politics should play no part at all.
I understand how difficult it is for you and your government to face the mood of public opinion
in Russia. Therefore, regarding the hearty and tender friendship which binds us both from long
ago, I am exerting my utmost influence to encourage the Austrians to arrive swiftly at a
10
satisfactory understanding with Russia. I hope you will help me in my efforts to smooth over
difficulties that may still arise.
Your devoted friend and cousin
Willy
IB/M/Jun25/7042/2K
, 3
Source C
From the ‘Manchester Guardian’, 30 July 1914. The ‘Manchester Guardian’, a British
newspaper, promoted liberal ideals and had a national circulation.
Austria has declared war upon Serbia. An unconfirmed report says Austro-Hungarian
troops have invaded Serbia. Two Serbian steamboats have been seized on the Danube.
In Vienna it is believed that Montenegro, which stands with her Serbian sister state, is
mobilising her army, and that a joint force is gathering near the Bosnian frontier in
readiness to deliver a counter-stroke towards Sarajevo. Our St Petersburg 5
correspondent, telegraphing last night, says if Austria occupies Belgrade, Russia will
reply at once by mobilising all her army. Russia’s partial mobilisation is already in full
swing. In Berlin it is believed that if Russia calls her troops to full mobilisation, Germany
will do the same. Britain’s Royal Navy has returned to home waters. If Russia makes a
general war out of a local war it will be a crime against Europe. If Britain, who might 10
remain neutral, rushes into the war, it will be both a crime and an act of supreme
stupidity.
0 1 With reference to these sources and your understanding of the historical context, assess
the value of these three sources to an historian studying the July Crisis in 1914.
[30 marks]
Turn over for Section B
IB/M/Jun25/7042/2K Turn over ►
1941 Question Paper & Mark Scheme (Merged) Friday 6 June 2025 [VERIFIED]
IB/M/Jun25/G4007/V4 7042/2K
, 2
Section A
Answer Question 01.
Source A
From the diary of the Austrian ambassador to Germany, 5 July 1914. This was written after a
meeting with Kaiser Wilhelm II.
First, His Majesty assured me that he had expected severe measures on Austria’s part in regard
to Serbia, but he accepted that as a result of the analysis given by
Emperor Franz Josef, Germany must not lose sight of possible serious European complications. I
laid emphasis on the seriousness of the situation, and the Kaiser authorised me to say that in any
case, Austria-Hungary may rely on full support from Germany. This was true in respect of any 5
measure we might take against Serbia. In the Kaiser’s view there should be no delay in
undertaking these measures. Russia’s position would, in any circumstances, be hostile, but for
this, Germany had been prepared for years. Even if matters caused a war between Austria-
Hungary and Russia, Austria could remain assured that Germany, in her loyalty as an ally, would
10
stand at our side. Russia would certainly think twice before resorting to arms. But Russia might
incite the powers of the Triple Entente against us and fan the flames in the Balkans.
Source B
From a telegram sent to Tsar Nicholas II by Kaiser Wilhelm II, 28 July 1914.
It is with the gravest concern that I hear of the impression which the action of Austria against
Serbia is creating in your country. It is agitation that has been going on for years in Serbia that
has resulted in the outrageous crime to which Archduke Franz Ferdinand fell a victim. You will
agree with me that we both have a common interest, as do all nations, to insist that all the
persons morally responsible for the dastardly murder should receive their deserved 5
punishment. In this case, politics should play no part at all.
I understand how difficult it is for you and your government to face the mood of public opinion
in Russia. Therefore, regarding the hearty and tender friendship which binds us both from long
ago, I am exerting my utmost influence to encourage the Austrians to arrive swiftly at a
10
satisfactory understanding with Russia. I hope you will help me in my efforts to smooth over
difficulties that may still arise.
Your devoted friend and cousin
Willy
IB/M/Jun25/7042/2K
, 3
Source C
From the ‘Manchester Guardian’, 30 July 1914. The ‘Manchester Guardian’, a British
newspaper, promoted liberal ideals and had a national circulation.
Austria has declared war upon Serbia. An unconfirmed report says Austro-Hungarian
troops have invaded Serbia. Two Serbian steamboats have been seized on the Danube.
In Vienna it is believed that Montenegro, which stands with her Serbian sister state, is
mobilising her army, and that a joint force is gathering near the Bosnian frontier in
readiness to deliver a counter-stroke towards Sarajevo. Our St Petersburg 5
correspondent, telegraphing last night, says if Austria occupies Belgrade, Russia will
reply at once by mobilising all her army. Russia’s partial mobilisation is already in full
swing. In Berlin it is believed that if Russia calls her troops to full mobilisation, Germany
will do the same. Britain’s Royal Navy has returned to home waters. If Russia makes a
general war out of a local war it will be a crime against Europe. If Britain, who might 10
remain neutral, rushes into the war, it will be both a crime and an act of supreme
stupidity.
0 1 With reference to these sources and your understanding of the historical context, assess
the value of these three sources to an historian studying the July Crisis in 1914.
[30 marks]
Turn over for Section B
IB/M/Jun25/7042/2K Turn over ►
