AQA_2024: AS History - The Quest for Political Stability: Germany, 1871–1991 Component 1L: Empire to Democracy, 1871–1929 (Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)

AQA_2024: AS History - The Quest for Political Stability: Germany, 1871–1991 Component 1L: Empire to Democracy, 1871–1929 (Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme) AS HISTORY The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991 Component 1L Empire to democracy, 1871–1929 Wednesday 15 May 2024 Afternoon Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes Materials For this paper you must have:  an AQA 16-page answer book. Instructions  Use black ink or black ball-point pen.  Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is 7041/1L.  Answer two questions. In Section A answer Question 01. In Section B answer either Question 02 or Question 03. Information  The marks for questions are shown in brackets.  The maximum mark for this paper is 50.  You will be marked on your ability to: – use good English – organise information clearly – use specialist vocabulary where appropriate. Advice  You are advised to spend about: – 50 minutes on Section A – 40 minutes on Section B. For AS History: The Quest for Political Stability: Germany, 1871–1991, Component 1L: Empire to Democracy, 1871–1929, focus on the following key areas: 1. The Creation of the German Empire (1871):  Unification of Germany: Understand the role of Otto von Bismarck in the unification of Germany and the creation of the German Empire in 1871. Key events include the Franco-Prussian War (1870 1871) and the proclamation of the Kaiserreich.  Kaiser Wilhelm I and Bismarck: Study the political structure of the new empire, with a focus on the role of the Kaiser (Emperor) and the Chancellor, and Bismarck’s dominance in shaping domestic and foreign policy. 2. Bismarck’s Domestic and Foreign Policies:  Bismarck’s Social Policies: Review Bismarck’s introduction of social welfare policies, such as health insurance and pensions, to undermine socialist and Catholic opposition.  Foreign Policy: Analyze Bismarck’s system of alliances, including the Triple Alliance with Austria Hungary and Italy, and his efforts to isolate France diplomatically. 3. The End of Bismarck’s Era and the Kaiser's Increasing Power:  Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Rise to Power: Study the change in leadership when Kaiser Wilhelm II ascended the throne in 1888, his dismissal of Bismarck in 1890, and the shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy.  The ‘New Course’: Understand Wilhelm II's policies, such as the policy of Weltpolitik (world politics), aiming to assert Germany’s place as a global power, and how this contributed to international tensions. 4. Political and Economic Challenges ():  Social and Political Unrest: Examine the growth of political parties, particularly the rise of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and their challenge to the imperial government. Study the tensions between the monarchy and the growing working-class movement.  Economic Growth and Strains: Review Germany’s industrial growth, but also the social inequalities and economic instability that contributed to tensions within society. 5. World War I ():  Germany in WWI: Understand Germany’s role in World War I, its alliances, military strategy, and the eventual military defeat in 1918.  The Impact of War: Focus on the economic, social, and political impact of the war on Germany, including civilian hardship, high casualties, and the erosion of support for the monarchy. 6. The Weimar Republic’s Creation ():  The Revolution of : Analyze the collapse of the German Empire after WWI and the creation of the Weimar Republic. Study the social and political upheaval, including the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the rise of the Spartacist Uprising. 7041/1L IB/M/Jun24/G4001/E4 2 Section A Answer Question 01. Extract A When the Weimar years are referred to as the ‘golden twenties’, those who do so are thinking of the liberation of creative forces in a period of unrestricted intellectual and artistic freedom. The sharp contrast between the gloomy political and economic conditions, on the one hand, and the unique wealth of artistic and intellectual development on the other, is typical of the Weimar era. The achievements to which we apply the general term ‘Weimar culture’ were admired and intensively discussed in their own day and were also internationally famous. The modern trends in literature, painting, architecture and the theatre, along with a freer attitude towards morals and lifestyle, were the dominant culture of the Weimar period. Adapted from E Kolb, The Weimar Republic, 1988 5 Extract B In the Weimar years, the social institutions which had the most influence on popular attitudes were still the churches and the schools. Both the Catholic and Protestant churches promoted conservative, monarchist and anti-democratic values, and they were highly critical of the ‘moral decadence’ creeping into society. Furthermore, the majority of women continued to have a traditional view of their role. While women gained the vote, being a wife and mother was still held to be the essential fulfilment of womanhood. In film, radio and newsprint, as in other areas of Weimar culture and society, developments were limited. Most of the cultural output remained of low artistic quality, glorifying nationalism and war. Adapted from M Fulbrook, A History of Germany 1918–2008, 2009 5 0 1 With reference to these extracts and your understanding of the historical context, which of these two extracts provides the more convincing interpretation of culture and society in the Weimar Republic in the years 1919 to 1929? [25 marks] IB/M/Jun24/7041/1L 3 Section B Answer either Question 02 or Question 03. Either 0 2 ‘In the years 1871 to 1890, Bismarck successfully controlled the Reichstag.’ Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. [25 marks] or 0 3 ‘All social groups within Germany benefited from the economic growth of the years 1896 to 1914.’ Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. [25 marks] END OF QUESTIONS IB/M/Jun24/7041/1L 4 There are no questions pr