AS LEVEL HISTORY A: Actual May 2025 PAST PAPER 1: The Cold War in Europe
1941–1995. All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y253/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The AS Level History A May 2025 The Cold War in Europe 1941–1995 Paper (OCR
Y253/01) 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, military, and ideological developments of the Cold War in
Europe, including key events, superpower relations, and the experiences of European states.
Candidates are required to analyse primary and secondary sources, construct structured
arguments, and evaluate differing historical interpretations. By presenting each question
alongside its marking criteria, the resource offers clear guidance on examiner expectations,
analytical depth, and the structured responses required for higher-band marks. This integrated
format supports targeted revision, strengthens source evaluation and essay-writing skills, and
equips students for success in the May/June 2026 OCR AS Level History A The Cold War in
Europe 1941–1995 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1* How important were atomic weapons in the development of the Cold War during the period from
1946 to 1955? [30]
2* ‘Economic problems in the USSR and Eastern Europe were the main reason for the end of the
Cold War.’
How far do you agree? [30]
© OCR 2025 Y253/01 Jun25
, 3
Section B
3 Read the interpretation and answer the question that follows.
© Richard Brown and Christopher Daniels, Twentieth Century Europe, p.108, Macmillan, 1981. Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of this interpretation of the origins of the Cold War during
the period from 1941 to 1945, making reference to other interpretations you have studied. [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y253/01 Jun25
1941–1995. All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y253/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The AS Level History A May 2025 The Cold War in Europe 1941–1995 Paper (OCR
Y253/01) 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, military, and ideological developments of the Cold War in
Europe, including key events, superpower relations, and the experiences of European states.
Candidates are required to analyse primary and secondary sources, construct structured
arguments, and evaluate differing historical interpretations. By presenting each question
alongside its marking criteria, the resource offers clear guidance on examiner expectations,
analytical depth, and the structured responses required for higher-band marks. This integrated
format supports targeted revision, strengthens source evaluation and essay-writing skills, and
equips students for success in the May/June 2026 OCR AS Level History A The Cold War in
Europe 1941–1995 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1* How important were atomic weapons in the development of the Cold War during the period from
1946 to 1955? [30]
2* ‘Economic problems in the USSR and Eastern Europe were the main reason for the end of the
Cold War.’
How far do you agree? [30]
© OCR 2025 Y253/01 Jun25
, 3
Section B
3 Read the interpretation and answer the question that follows.
© Richard Brown and Christopher Daniels, Twentieth Century Europe, p.108, Macmillan, 1981. Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of this interpretation of the origins of the Cold War during
the period from 1941 to 1945, making reference to other interpretations you have studied. [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y253/01 Jun25
