2025 AQA A-LEVEL HISTORY Component 2K International
Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941 Question Paper &
Mark Scheme (Merged) Friday 6 June 2025 [VERIFIED]
A-level
HISTORY
Component 2K International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941
Friday 6 June 2025 Afternoon Time allowed: 2 hours 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
7042/2K.
Answer three questions.
In Section A answer Question 01.
In Section B answer two questions.
Information
The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
The maximum mark for this paper is 80.
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:
– 1 hour on Question 01 from Section A
– 45 minutes on each of the two questions answered from Section B.
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 5
Germany. This was true in respect of any 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 stand at our side. Russia 10
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 5
receive their deserved 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 satisfactory understanding with Russia. I hope you will help me in my 10
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 ►
Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941 Question Paper &
Mark Scheme (Merged) Friday 6 June 2025 [VERIFIED]
A-level
HISTORY
Component 2K International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941
Friday 6 June 2025 Afternoon Time allowed: 2 hours 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
7042/2K.
Answer three questions.
In Section A answer Question 01.
In Section B answer two questions.
Information
The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
The maximum mark for this paper is 80.
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:
– 1 hour on Question 01 from Section A
– 45 minutes on each of the two questions answered from Section B.
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 5
Germany. This was true in respect of any 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 stand at our side. Russia 10
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 5
receive their deserved 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 satisfactory understanding with Russia. I hope you will help me in my 10
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 ►
