Past Paper Questions: Paper 1

Chapter 1
(a) What were the terms of the Treaty of Versailles in relation to territorial changes? [4]

(b) Why was it difficult to make a peace settlement which would please all the Allies? [6]

(c) ‘Most Germans were horrified by the terms of the Treaty.’ How justified was this reaction?
Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What did the Versailles Treaty decide about (i) the Saar and (ii) the Rhineland? [4]

(b) Explain why Germany thought the Treaty of Versailles was motivated by revenge. [6]

(c) How satisfied were the ‘Big Three’ with the terms of the Treaty of Versailles? Explain your
answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) With reference to the terms of the peace settlements of 1919–20, what was meant by (i)
war guilt and (ii) reparations? [4]

(b) Why were the peacemakers at Versailles severe on Germany? [6]

(c) ‘The German reaction to the Treaty of Versailles was unreasonable.’ How far do you agree
with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the weaknesses of Britain and France as leaders of the League of Nations? [4]

(b) Why did some countries view the setting up of the League of Nations with suspicion? [6]

(c) How far was the League of Nations a failure in its peacekeeping role in the 1920s? Explain
your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) In what ways did the Treaty of Versailles affect the German economy? [4]

(b) Why was Wilson disappointed with the peace settlement? [6]
(c) To what extent was the Treaty of Versailles a reasonable treaty in the circumstances of the
time? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What did Lloyd George want to achieve from the peace negotiations of 1919–20? [4]

(b) Why did Wilson disagree with Clemenceau during the peace negotiations about the
treatment of Germany? [6]

(c) How fairly was Germany treated at Versailles? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What military restrictions were imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles? [4]

(b) Why was Clemenceau disappointed with the peace settlement? [6]

(c) ‘Germany deserved the treatment it received in the Versailles Treaty.’ How far do you agree
with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What did France gain from the Treaty of Versailles? [4]

(b) Why did Germany sign the Treaty of Versailles? [6]

(c) ‘The peacemakers at Versailles were successful.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What did the Treaty of Versailles state about Danzig and the Polish Corridor? [4]

(b) Why did Clemenceau find it difficult to achieve his aims at the Paris Peace Conference? [6]

(c) How effectively did the peacemakers of 1919–20 deal with the problems they faced?
Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What loss of territory was imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles? [4]

(b) Why were the ‘Big Three’ not satisfied with the Treaty of Versailles? [6]

(c) ‘The Treaty of Versailles was a wise settlement.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________
(a) What impact did the Treaty of Versailles have on Germany’s military? [4]

(b) Why did the aims of the ‘Big Three’ at Versailles differ? [6]

(c) Was Germany’s reaction to the Treaty of Versailles justified? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) With reference to the terms of the peace settlement of 1919, what was decided about (i)
the Saar and (ii) the Rhineland? [4]

(b) Why was Germany unhappy with being forced to accept responsibility for the war? [6]

(c) How far did Lloyd George achieve his aims at the Paris Peace Conference? Explain your
answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) In what ways, other than territorial, did the Treaty of Versailles limit the power of
Germany? [4]

(b) Why did Lloyd George clash with Wilson and with Clemenceau during the peace discussions
of 1919? [6]

(c) How justifiable were the terms of the peace settlement of 1919–20? Explain your answer.
[10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What did President Wilson want to achieve from the peace settlement at the end of the First
World War? [4]

(b) Why did France want a harsh settlement to be imposed on Germany in 1919? [6]

(c) ‘By 1923 it was clear that the Treaty of Versailles was the least effective of the peace treaties
of 1919–20.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the main terms of the Treaty of Trianon? [4]

(b) Why was there discussion about the status of Danzig at the Paris Peace Conference? [6]

(c) ‘The terms of the Treaty of Versailles were surprising.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________
(a) What were the main terms of the Treaty of Sèvres with Turkey? [4]

(b) Why did Lloyd George believe that a moderate peace settlement with Germany was in
British interests? [6]

(c) Who was more satisfied with the Treaty of Versailles: Wilson or Clemenceau? Explain your
answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the main terms of the Treaty of Saint Germain with Austria? [4]

(b) Why were Wilson’s expectations of the Peace Settlement of 1919–20 different from those of
Clemenceau? [6]

(c) ‘The War Guilt Clause was the main cause of German bitterness towards the Treaty of
Versailles.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the effects of the Treaty of Trianon on Hungary? [4]

(b) Why did Wilson believe his ‘Fourteen Points’ should form the basis of the Treaty of
Versailles? [6]

(c) How far did the peace settlement of 1919–20 reflect the aims of Clemenceau? Explain your
answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was decided about the Saar in the Treaty of Versailles? [4]

(b) Why was the Treaty of Sèvres renegotiated? [6]

(c) ‘The Germans had genuine grounds for complaint about the Treaty of Versailles.’ How far do
you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the restrictions imposed on the German land forces by the Treaty of Versailles. [4]

(b) Why was the Treaty of Sèvres replaced by the Treaty of Lausanne? [6]

(c) How satisfied were the French people with the Treaty of Versailles? Explain your answer.
[10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the territorial terms of the Treaty of Saint Germain? [4]
(b) Why was the work of the peacemakers at the Paris Peace Conference difficult? [6]

(c) ‘German hatred of the Treaty of Versailles was justified.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What features of the Treaty of Versailles were shared by the other peace treaties of 1919–
20? [4]

(b) Why were the German people unhappy with the Treaty of Versailles? [6]

(c) Who was more satisfied with the Treaty of Versailles: Clemenceau or Lloyd George? Explain
your answer. [10]

Chapter 2
(a) How did the League of Nations hope to prevent future wars between nations? [4]

(b) Why did the League of Nations have some successes in the 1920s? [6]

(c) ‘The League of Nations was destroyed by the Depression of the 1930s.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the deficiencies of Britain and France as leaders of the League of Nations. [4]

(b) Why was the League able to achieve some successes in dealing with international disputes
in the 1920s? [6]

(c) ‘It was the Hoare-Laval Plan rather than World Depression that destroyed the League.’ How
far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the successes of the League of Nations in the 1920s? [5]

(b) Why did the USA’s failure to become a member create problems for the League? [7]

(c) ‘Italy was more responsible than Britain and France for the failure of the League of Nations.’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________
(a) Describe how the League of Nations tried to improve living and working conditions around
the world. [4]

(b) Why did its structure and membership weaken the League? [6]

(c) ‘Britain and France were to blame for the failure of the League.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was the Hoare-Laval Pact? [4]

(b) Why was the conquest of Abyssinia by Italy not prevented by the League of Nations? [6]

(c) ‘The League had its greatest success in its humanitarian work.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the role played by the League of Nations in two disputes in the 1920s. [4]

(b) Why was the League dominated by Britain and France? [6]

(c) ‘It was the Abyssinian crisis that destroyed the League of Nations as an effective
peacekeeping body.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe how collective security was intended to work. [4]

(b) Why was the American decision not to join the League a great blow to the organisation? [6]

(c) ‘The Depression had a greater impact on the League than did events in Manchuria.’ How far
do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What difficulties did Britain and France face as the main League of Nations leaders? [4]

(b) Why did some major powers not join the League? [6]

(c) ‘The League failed because of the Abyssinian crisis.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the roles of (i) the Council and (ii) the Refugees Commission in the League of
Nations? [4]
(b) Why was leadership of the League weak from the start? [6]

(c) ‘The League of Nations was a success.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain
your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the work of the Lytton Commission. [4]

(b) Why did Japan invade Manchuria? [6]

(c) Which was the more important cause of the failure of the League: its organisation or its
membership? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the part played by the League in international humanitarian work. [4]

(b) Why did the Japanese invasion of Manchuria weaken the League? [6]

(c) ‘Ineffective sanctions were the main reason for the failure of the League in Abyssinia.’ How
far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

(a) What were the main aims of the League of Nations when it was set up in 1920? [4]

(b) Why did the League not include some major powers when it was set up? [6]

(c) ‘The League of Nations was an effective organisation for preserving peace in the 1920s.’ How
far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

(a) Describe the work of the League’s International Labour Organisation (ILO). [4]

(b) Why did the requirement that decisions of the Assembly and Council had to be unanimous
cause problems for the League? [6]

(c) How far was Mussolini responsible for the destruction of the authority of the League of
Nations? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 3
(a) Describe Hitler’s policy towards Austria between 1934 and 1938. [4]

(b) Why did some people argue that the policy of appeasement followed by Britain and France
was wrong? [6]

(c) ‘Hitler had achieved his foreign policy aims by the end of 1938.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the events of 1938 which led to the Anschluss. [4]

(b) Why did Britain and France permit the Anschluss? [6]

(c) ‘Hitler’s policies towards Austria and Czechoslovakia in 1938–9 were completely successful.’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was the Munich Agreement? [4]

(b) Why was the Nazi-Soviet Pact important? [6]

(c) ‘The policy of appeasement followed by Britain was a disaster.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What did Hitler do between 1933 and 1936 to challenge the Treaty of Versailles? [4]

(b) Why was Hitler involved in the Spanish Civil War? [6]

(c) ‘Hitler was not a planner in foreign affairs. He just took opportunities that others gave him.’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe how Germany re-established control over the Saar and the Rhineland. [4]

(b) Why did Hitler want to unite Germany and Austria? [6]

(c) ‘Hitler’s aggression was the main reason war broke out in 1939.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________
(a) Describe Germany’s involvement in the Spanish Civil War. [4]

(b) Why did Britain follow a policy of appeasement towards Germany? [6]

(c) ‘The Nazi-Soviet Pact was of greater benefit to Germany than it was to the Soviet Union.’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were Hitler’s foreign policy aims? [4]

(b) Why was the re-militarisation of the Rhineland a success for Hitler? [6]

(c) ‘Increased militarism was the main cause of the Second World War.’ How far do you agree
with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What measures did Hitler take by 1936 to prepare Germany for war? [4]

(b) Why did Hitler sign the Munich Agreement? [6]

(c) ‘Britain was right to follow a policy of appeasement.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe events in the Rhineland in 1936. [4]

(b) Why was appeasement beneficial to Britain? [6]

(c) ‘War in Europe started in 1939 because of decisions taken at Munich in 1938.’ How far do
you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) How did Hitler make use of the Spanish Civil War? [4]

(b) Why did Britain and France allow Germany to re-militarise the Rhineland? [6]

(c) How far was the Nazi-Soviet Pact responsible for war breaking out in Europe in 1939?
Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe events in the Saar in 1935. [4]

(b) Why, by 1936, was Italy a threat to world peace? [6]

(c) ‘The main cause of war in 1939 was the weakness of Britain and France.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) In what ways had Hitler built up Germany’s military strength by March 1936? [4]

(b) Why did Hitler want Anschluss? [6]

(c) ‘Chamberlain was right to follow a policy of appeasement.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What actions had Hitler taken by the end of 1935 to break the Treaty of Versailles? [4]

(b) Why was involvement in the Spanish Civil War of benefit to Hitler? [6]

(c) ‘Chamberlain’s attempts to reach agreement at Munich were worthwhile.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe what happened in Guernica in April 1937. [4]

(b) Why did Hitler want to remilitarise the Rhineland? [6]

(c) ‘The Nazi-Soviet Pact was more advantageous to Stalin than it was to Hitler.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe Hitler’s takeover of Austria. [4]

(b) Why, in 1939, did Stalin make a deal with Germany rather than with Britain or France? [6]

(c) ‘The remilitarisation of the Rhineland was more important to Hitler’s plans than was the
Spanish Civil War.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the increase in Italian militarism in the 1930s. [4]

(b) Why did Chamberlain, on his return from Munich in 1938, say, ‘I believe it is peace for our
time’? [6]

(c) ‘The British-French guarantee to Poland was more responsible than the Nazi–Soviet Pact for
the Second World War.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________
(a) Describe the crisis over Austria in 1934. [4]

(b) Why was Hitler able to re-militarise the Rhineland in 1936? [6]

(c) ‘Appeasement was a sensible response to Hitler’s aggression.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What happened in relation to the Sudetenland during 1938 which raised tensions in
Europe? [4]

(b) Why was Hitler’s invasion of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 significant? [6]

(c) How far was the outbreak of war in 1939 Hitler’s fault? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the consequences of the Spanish Civil War for peace in Europe? [4]

(b) Why did Hitler take Germany out of the League of Nations in 1933? [6]

(c) ‘The policy of appeasement played a greater part in the outbreak of war in 1939 than did the
Nazi-Soviet Pact.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was the ‘Greater Germany’ that Hitler aimed to establish? [4]

(b) Why were Hitler’s foreign policy actions in 1935–36 successful? [6]

(c) ‘The policy of appeasement made sense at the time.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What benefits did uniting with Austria offer Hitler? [4]

(b) Why was Hitler able to unite with Austria? [6]

(c) ‘The Munich Agreement of 1938 ensured that war would happen.’ How far do you agree
with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

(a) What happened in the Saar in 1935? [4]

(b) Why was the remilitarisation of the Rhineland a risk for Hitler? [6]
(c) ‘Germany was more responsible for war in 1939 than any other country.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What did Hitler gain from the return of the Saar to Germany? [4]

(b) Why, by 1937, was Japan a threat to world peace? [6]

(c) ‘Appeasement was not justifiable.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your
answer. [10]

Chapter 4
(a) What was the ‘Cold War’? [4]

(b) Why were Western governments suspicious of the USSR in the period 1945 to February
1948 (the communist takeover of Czechoslovakia)? [6]

(c) ‘Truman and Churchill were responsible for starting the Cold War.’ How far do you agree
with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the disagreements between the USSR and the USA which emerged at the Potsdam
Conference. [4]

(b) Why was Eastern Europe largely in the hands of the USSR by 1946? [6]

(c) ‘The Marshall Plan was the main reason for Cold War tension increasing between 1947 and
1949.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe how Poland came under Communist control. [4]

(b) Why, by 1946, were the wartime Allies less united? [6]

(c) ‘The Marshall Plan was more important than the Berlin Blockade in increasing Cold War
tensions.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was decided at the Yalta Conference of February 1945? [4]

(b) Why was there mistrust between the Soviet Union and the Western Powers in 1945? [6]
(c) ‘The Berlin Blockade was the main reason for increasing Cold War tension in the years 1947–
9.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What did Churchill mean by the ‘iron curtain’? [4]

(b) Why was it difficult to reach a satisfactory agreement at the Potsdam Conference of July
1945? [6]

(c) How successful was the USA in containing Communism in Europe up to 1949? Explain your
answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What did Stalin gain from the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences? [4]

(b) Why did the USA-USSR alliance begin to break down in 1945? [6]

(c) ‘The USA and the USSR were equally to blame for the Cold War.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe how Czechoslovakia became communist-controlled in 1948. [4]

(b) Why did Stalin set up the Berlin Blockade in 1948? [6]

(c) Was Soviet policy towards Eastern Europe from 1945 to 1948 aggressive or defensive in
nature? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe developments in Czechoslovakia between 1945 and 1948 which led to the
Communist takeover. [4]

(b) Why did the Soviet Union blockade Berlin in 1948–9? [6]

(c) ‘The USSR and the USA were both to blame for the Cold War.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________

(a) What decisions, in relation to Germany, were agreed at the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences?
[4]

(b) Why did mistrust between the USSR and the USA increase in 1945? [6]
(c) ‘The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan were to blame for the Cold War.’ How far do
you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was discussed, in relation to Poland, at the Yalta Conference? [4]

(b) Why did tensions between the USSR and the Western Allies increase at the Potsdam
Conference? [6]

(c) ‘The USSR was to blame for starting the Cold War.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the main problems facing the Allied leaders when they met at Potsdam in May
1945. [4]

(b) Why did the USSR want to dominate Eastern Europe? [6]

(c) How successful was the reaction of the West to Soviet expansion by 1949? Explain your
answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the main agreements reached at the Yalta Conference of February 1945? [4]

(b) Why were the changes which took place between the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences
important? [6]

(c) ‘Stalin’s failure to abide by the agreements made at Yalta and Potsdam caused the Cold
War.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________

(a) What issues were addressed at the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences? [4]

(b) Why did Truman develop a strategy of containment? [6]

(c) ‘The Berlin Blockade was a serious threat to world peace.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________

(a) What disagreements between the two superpowers were there at the Potsdam
Conference? [4]

(b) Why was there tension over Berlin in the years 1945–49? [6]
(c) How effective was the USSR’s attempt to control Eastern Europe by 1948? Explain your
answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________

(a) What actions had Stalin taken, by the end of 1945, to extend Soviet power across Eastern
Europe? [4]

(b) Why was it difficult to reach agreement over the future of Germany after World War Two?
[6]

(c) ‘The USA was responsible for starting the Cold War.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were Stalin’s main achievements at the Yalta Conference? [4]

(b) Why was it difficult to deal with Poland after the Second World War? [6]

(c) ‘The most important consequence of the Berlin Blockade was the formation of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in 1949.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. [10]

Chapter 5
(a) What part did the Ho Chi Minh Trail play in the Vietnam War? [4]

(b) Why was the Tet Offensive important? [6]

(c) ‘The US withdrew from Vietnam because of public opinion in America.’ How far do you agree
with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the involvement of the USA in Vietnam before Johnson became President in 1963.
[4]

(b) Why were the tactics used by the Vietcong effective? [6]

(c) How far was public opinion the main reason for America’s withdrawal from Vietnam?
Explain your answer. [10]

(a) What options were available to Kennedy to force the removal of missile sites on Cuba? [4]
(b) Explain why the Soviet Union placed missiles on Cuba. [6]

(c) How great a threat was the Cuban Missile Crisis to world peace? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the key features of the Bay of Pigs incident. [4]

(b) Why did Kennedy decide to blockade Cuba? [6]

(c) ‘There was not a winner in the Cuban Missile Crisis.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]

(a) Describe the tactics used by the USA in Vietnam. [4]

(b) Why did the USA find it impossible to defeat the Vietcong? [6]

(c) ‘The My Lai massacre was the main reason for the USA’s withdrawal from Vietnam.’ How far
do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

(a) What was the Tet Offensive? [4]

(b) Why were the methods used by the Americans to try to defeat the Vietcong unsuccessful?
[6]

(c) ‘American public opinion was more important than Vietcong guerrilla tactics in bringing
about the US withdrawal from Vietnam.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain
your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the Bay of Pigs invasion. [4]

(b) Why was the Cuban Revolution seen as a threat to the USA? [6]

(c) ‘The US policy of containment was more successful in Korea than in Cuba.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the reaction of the Western allies to the building of the Berlin Wall. [4]

(b) Why did the Communists build the Berlin Wall in 1961? [6]
(c) How different was the Soviet reaction to events in Hungary (1956) and Czechoslovakia
(1968)? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What did the Geneva Agreements of 1954 propose for Vietnam? [4]

(b) Why did the USA become involved in the conflict in Vietnam? [6]

(c) How successful was the USA’s containment policy? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was the 38th Parallel in relation to the Korean War? [4]

(b) Why did North Korea invade South Korea in June 1950? [6]

(c) ‘America was more successful in Korea than it was in Vietnam.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the events which led to the UN involvemcent in the Korean War. [4]

(b) Why did the USA oppose the North Korean invasion of South Korea? [6]

(c) How successful was the USA’s policy of containment in Korea? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe relations between the USA and Cuba between 1959 and the end of March 1961.
[4]

(b) Why was Kennedy humiliated by the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion of April 1961? [6]

(c) ‘The Cuban Missile Crisis was a success for the USA’s policy of containment.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was the ‘domino effect’ in relation to Vietnam? [4]

(b) Why did Nixon find it difficult to withdraw from Vietnam? [6]

(c) ‘In Vietnam, Kennedy was more successful than Johnson.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]
(a) What was the importance of the 38th parallel in relation to Korea? [4]

(b) Why did the USA become involved in resisting the invasion of South Korea? [6]

(c) How effectively did the American policy of containment limit the spread of Communism
between 1950 and 1973? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was Eisenhower’s policy towards Vietnam? [4]

(b) Why was the USA unhappy with the changes Castro introduced immediately following the
Cuban Revolution? [6]

(c) ‘The American policy of containment between 1950 and 1973 was successful.’ How far do
you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

Chapter 6
(a) What actions by Nagy’s government in Hungary alarmed Khrushchev? [4]

(b) Why was the Berlin Wall built in 1961? [6]

(c) How far was the collapse of Soviet control over Eastern Europe due to the influence of
‘Solidarity’? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What restrictions had the Communist leader Rákosi imposed on Hungary? [4]

(b) Why was there opposition to Soviet power over Czechoslovakia in 1968? [6]

(c) How similar were events in Hungary in 1956 and in Czechoslovakia in 1968? Explain y our
answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the impact on the people of Eastern Europe of Soviet control in the 1950s and
1960s. [4]

(b) Why did the Soviet Union oppose the changes proposed by Dubcek for Czechoslovakia? [6]

(c) How far were developments in the Soviet Union responsible for the collapse of Soviet
control over Eastern Europe? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________
(a) What action did the Soviet Union take against the Czechoslovakian people in 1968? [4]

(b) Why did the Soviet Union react in such an aggressive way in Hungary in 1956? [6]

(c) ‘Gorbachev was personally responsible for the collapse of Soviet control over Eastern
Europe.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What action did the Soviet Union take against the Czechoslovakian people in 1968? [4]

(b) Why did the Hungarian Uprising take place? [6]

(c) How far could Solidarity be blamed for the decline of Soviet control over Eastern Europe?
[10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe events in Poland between 1980 and 1982 involving ‘Solidarity’. [4]

(b) Why was the Polish government unable to defeat the ‘Solidarity’ movement? [6]

(c) ‘The standard of living was the most important reason for growing opposition to Soviet
control in Eastern European countries in the 1980s.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the events in Hungary in October and November 1956. [4]

(b) Why did Warsaw Pact forces invade Czechoslovakia in 1968? [6]

(c) How important was the part played by ‘Solidarity’ in the decline of Soviet influence in
Eastern Europe? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe events in Berlin leading up to the building of the Wall in 1961. [4]

(b) Why were the Soviets worried about events in Czechoslovakia in 1968? [6]

(c) How far can Gorbachev be blamed for the collapse of Soviet control over Eastern Europe?
Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What impact did the construction of the Berlin Wall have on the citizens of Berlin? [4]
(b) Why was the Solidarity Movement a problem for the Polish government? [6]

(c) How far was the low standard of living in Eastern European countries responsible for the end
of Communist control? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the US reaction to the Cuban Revolution up to the end of April 1961. [4]

(b) Why was the USA concerned about Castro declaring Cuba a Communist state in December
1961? [6]

(c) ‘The Missile Crisis was a humiliation for the Soviet Union.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What changes did Nagy want to make to Communist rule in Hungary? [4]

(b) Why did the Prague Spring fail? [6]

(c) How important were events in Poland after 1980 in influencing the collapse of Soviet control
in Eastern Europe? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What aspects of Soviet control were hated by the Hungarian people by 1956? [4]

(b) Why did the Polish government agree to meet the demands of Solidarity? [6]

(c) ‘The Berlin Wall was built for economic reasons.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What aspects of Soviet control were hated by the people of Czechoslovakia? [4]

(b) Why were people leaving East Berlin before 1960? [6]

(c) How far were Gorbachev’s policies of Glasnost and Perestroika responsible for the collapse
of Soviet control over Eastern Europe? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the methods of control exercised by the Soviet Union over Hungary before the
1956 uprising. [4]

(b) Why was Solidarity successful? [6]

(c) ‘The Berlin Wall was more advantageous to the Western allies than to the USSR.’ How far do
you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) By 1956, what made Hungarians unhappy with Soviet control? [4]

(b) Why were the Soviets concerned about events in Hungary in 1956? [6]

(c) ‘The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 to prevent mass migration.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]

Russia: Depth Study

(a) What problems did Kerensky’s Provisional Government face? [4]

(b) Why did civil war break out in Russia after the Bolshevik seizure of power? [6]

(c) ‘The main reason the Communists won the Civil War was that they were united in both their
aims and leadership.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe collectivisation. [4]

(b) Why did Stalin abandon the New Economic Policy? [6]

(c) ‘The successes of collectivisation were greater than its failures.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the downfall of the Tsar in March 1917. [4]

(b) Why did the Provisional Government lose support in Russia? [6]

(c) ‘It was Trotsky, not the weaknesses of the Whites, that was the key to success f or the
Bolsheviks in the Civil War.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.
[10]

(a) What were the advantages of collective farming? [4]

(b) Why was collectivisation opposed by many peasants? [6]

(c) ‘Stalin’s Five-Year Plans brought misery to the Russian people.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

(a) What were the main grievances of the Russian people in the early-twentieth century? [4]

(b) Why did the revolution of 1905 fail? [6]

(c) How important was Stolypin to the Tsar remaining in power in the years after the 1905
Revolution? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the ‘Great Terror’. [4]

(b) Why did Stalin introduce a new Constitution in 1936? [6]

(c) ‘The Purges were more effective than the cult of personality in allowing Stalin to control the
Soviet Union.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What problems faced the Provisional Government as soon as it came to power? [4]

(b) Why did the power of the Provisional Government weaken between April and September
1917? [6]

(c) How great a leader was Lenin? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) In what ways did the new Constitution of 1936 benefit Stalin? [5]

(b) Why did Stalin carry out the Purges? [7]

(c) ‘Stalin’s use of his secret police was more effective than government propaganda in
maintaining control over the people of Russia.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. [8]

______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What aspects of life in early twentieth-century Russia led to social discontent? [5]

(b) Explain why the Tsar survived the 1905 Revolution. [7]
(c) ‘The severe winter of 1916–17 brought about the downfall of Tsar Nicholas II.’ How far do
you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [8]

______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was the Petrograd Soviet? [5]

(b) Why was the Kornilov Affair significant? [7]

(c) After seizing power, how well did the Bolsheviks deal with Russia’s major problems – ‘Peace,
Bread and Land’? Explain your answer. [8]

______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the struggle for power between Trotsky and Stalin following the death of Lenin. [5]

(b) Why was the murder of Kirov in December 1934 important? [7]

(c) How complete was Stalin’s control over the Soviet Union? Explain your answer. [8]

______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe how agriculture was organised before Collectivisation. [5]

(b) Why was there resistance to Collectivisation? [7]

(c) ‘Misery for the Soviet people was the greatest effect of Stalin’s industrialisation policy.’ How
far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [8]

______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the ‘July Days’? [5]

(b) Why was Lenin a threat to the Provisional Government? [7]

(c) How successful was Lenin in creating a new society in Russia? Explain your answer. [8]

______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe how women were affected by Communist rule in Russia. [5]

(b) Why did Stalin repress ethnic minorities in the Soviet Union? [7]
(c) ‘The advantages gained by the Soviet Union from Stalin’s economic policies outweighed the
misery suffered by the Soviet people.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your
answer. [8]

______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the way of life for Russian peasants in the early-twentieth century. [5]

(b) Explain why Stolypin played an important role in the years after the 1905 Revolution. [7]

(c) ‘The Tsar’s decision to take personal command of the armed forces in 1915 was the main
reason for the fall of the Tsarist regime.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain
your answer. [8]

______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What qualities and experience did Trotsky have which enabled him to be considered as
Lenin’s successor? [5]

(b) Why, by 1928, had Stalin emerged as the main leader of the Soviet Union? [7]

(c) ‘Stalin’s use of fear was the most effective method of controlling the people of the Soviet
Union.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the events of Bloody Sunday, January 1905. [5]

(b) Why did the Russian people consider Rasputin a bad influence on the royal family? [7]

(c) ‘Discontent among the working classes was more important than the role of the army in the
overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.
[8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) How did Stalin use his power within the Communist Party to defeat Trotsky? [5]

(b) Why was the purge of the Communist Party important to Stalin? [7]

(c) ‘Official art and culture had a greater effect on the Soviet people than did terror.’ How far do
you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What powers did the Petrograd Soviet have during 1917? [5]
(b) Why did the Bolsheviks come to power in 1917? [7]

(c) ‘The Bolshevik success in the Civil War was due to the divisions among the Whites.’ How far
do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was the status of women in the USSR under Stalin? [5]

(b) Why did Stalin want to introduce the policy of Collectivisation? [7]

(c) ‘The successes achieved by Stalin’s industrialisation policy were greater than its failures.’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the main features of Russian society immediately before the 1905 revolution. [5]

(b) Why was the Revolution of 1905 unsuccessful in its aims? [7]

(c) How successful was the Tsar in ruling Russia between 1906 and 1914? Explain your answer.
[8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was Russification? [5]

(b) Why did Stalin want to modernise the USSR? [7]

(c) ‘Collectivisation was successful.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your
answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were Lenin’s ‘April Theses’? [5]

(b) Why was the Provisional Government ineffective in ruling Russia? [7]

(c) ‘Red Terror was the main reason for the Bolshevik success in the Civil War.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What did Lenin say in his Testament as to who should succeed him? [5]

(b) Why did Trotsky lose the leadership contest? [7]

(c) ‘The most effective method of control used by Stalin was the cult of personality.’ How far do
you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the part played by the Russian Orthodox Church in the Tsarist regime. [5]

(b) Why was there a revolution in 1905? [7]

(c) How important was the role of Rasputin in weakening the power of the Tsar? Explain your
answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe how Trotsky was dealt with by Stalin. [4]

(b) Why were the ‘show trials’ held? [6]

(c) How effective was Stalin’s rule over the Soviet Union? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was ‘War Communism’? [5]

(b) Why did sailors at Kronstadt revolt in March 1921? [7]

(c) ‘Lenin’s New Economic Policy was unsuccessful.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the main features of the Five-Year Plans. [5]

(b) Why did Stalin want to modernise Soviet industry? [7]

(c) ‘Stalin’s economic policies had greater effects on the Soviet people than on the economy.’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the events of Lenin’s return to Russia in April 1917. [5]

(b) Why were the ‘July Days’ important? [7]

(c) ‘The Provisional Government was overthrown because it decided to continue the war
against Germany.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the kulaks? [5]

(b) Why was collectivisation important to Stalin? [7]

(c) How successful were Stalin’s industrialisation policies? Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the Kornilov affair. [5]

(b) Why was Lenin important to the Bolshevik seizure of power? [7]

(c) ‘The Provisional Government failed because it lacked popular support.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What problems did Soviet agriculture face before collectivisation? [5]

(b) Why did Stalin find it difficult to introduce collectivisation? [7]

(c) How far did the Soviet people benefit from Stalin’s economic plans? Explain your answer.
[8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the main features of peasant life in early twentieth-century Russia? [5]

(b) Why did Tsar Nicholas II face huge problems in governing Russia in the years up to 1906?[7]

(c) How far did life improve for Russian people between 1906 and 1914? Explain your answer.
[8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the main features of the Great Terror. [5]

(b) Why were the Purges important for Stalin? [7]

(c) ‘The cult of personality was more effective than the rising standard of living in Stalin gaining
the support of the Soviet people.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your
answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What mistakes did Trotsky make in the struggle for power with Stalin? [5]

(b) Why was Stalin able to benefit from the Purges? [7]

(c) How far do you agree with the view that Stalin’s rule up to 1941 was a disaster for the Soviet
Union? Explain your answer. [8]
______________________________________________________________________________
(a) What did Stalin hope to achieve by introducing collectivisation? [5]

(b) Why was there opposition to the introduction of collectivisation? [7]

(c) How effective was Stalin’s modernisation of Soviet industry by 1941? Explain your answer.[8]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe events on the battleship ‘Potemkin’, June 1905. [4]

(b) Why did Stolypin introduce agricultural reform? [6]

(c) ‘The actions of the Tsarina were the main reason for the abdication of the Tsar.’ How far do
you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were Trotsky’s weaknesses as a candidate to succeed Lenin as leader of the USSR?
[4]

(b) Why did it take until 1929 for Stalin to become undisputed leader of the USSR? [6]

(c) Which was the more effective for Stalin in controlling the Soviet Union: fear or propaganda?
Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What reforms did the Provisional Government achieve in its eight months in power? [4]

(b) Why did the Provisional Government become increasingly unpopular? [6]

(c) ‘The Bolsheviks won the Civil War because of their own strengths.’ How far do you agree
with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the effects of collectivisation? [4]

(b) Why did Stalin launch the first Five-Year Plan? [6]

(c) ‘Stalin’s Five-Year Plans increased the well-being of the Russian people.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was the nature of the Tsar’s rule over Russia before the 1905 Revolution? [4]
(b) Why was the Tsar in danger of losing control of the country following Bloody Sunday? [6]

(c) ‘By 1914 the greatest problem faced by the Tsar was the influence Rasputin had over the
Tsarina.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) What threats did Lenin’s return to Russia in April 1917 pose for the Provisional Government?
[4]

(b) Why was the Provisional Government unable to prevent the October 1917 Revolution? [6]

(c) ‘War Communism was the most important reason for Bolshevik success in the Civil War.’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the main features of Tsarist rule at the beginning of the twentieth century. [4]

(b) Why was the revolution of 1905 unsuccessful? [6]

(c) How far were the events of ‘Bloody Sunday’ responsible for revolution in 1905? Explain your
answer. [10]
______________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the ‘July Days’. [4]

(b) Why did the authority of the Provisional Government collapse in the second half of 1917?
[6]

(c) ‘Lack of unity was the main reason the Whites lost the Civil War.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

(a) What opposition to the rule of the Tsar existed in Russia at the beginning of the 20th century? [4]

(b) Why was the revolution of March 1917 successful? [6]

(c) How effectively was Russia governed between 1905 and 1914? Explain your answer. [10]

(a) What was life like for Russians sent to labour camps? [4]

(b) Why was Stalin able to win the leadership contest after Lenin’s death? [6]
(c) ‘The use of official art and culture was the main reason Stalin was able to secure his position as
dictator of the Soviet Union.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

_____________________________________________________________________________________

(a) What problems faced the Provisional Government following the abdication of the Tsar? [4]

(b) Why did the Bolsheviks win the Civil War? [6]

(c) How successful was the New Economic Policy? Explain your answer. [10]

_____________________________________________________________________________________

(a) What were the benefits of Stalin’s economic changes? [4]

(b) Why did the introduction of collectivisation not go smoothly for Stalin? [6]

(c) ‘Stalin’s policies had a greater impact on ethnic minorities than on women.’ How far do you agree
with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
_____________________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe the events of the ‘July Revolution’ in Iraq in 1968. [4]

(b) Why did Saddam Hussein, after becoming President, use force on his own people? [6]

(c) ‘The most important reason for the Iran-Iraq War of 1980–88 was Iraq’s desire to dominate the
Persian Gulf region.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

_____________________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was the Petrograd Soviet, set up in March 1917? [4]

(b) Why was the Provisional Government of 1917 unsuccessful? [6]

(c) ‘The Whites lost the Civil War because their leadership was not united.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
_____________________________________________________________________________________

(a) What qualities did Trotsky have which enabled him to be considered as Lenin’s successor? [4]

(b) Why did Stalin bring the New Economic Policy (NEP) to an end? [6]

(c) ‘The Purges were the most effective method of control used by Stalin.’ How far do you agree with
this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
_____________________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was the Kronstadt Mutiny of 1921? [4]

(b) Why was it necessary to introduce the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921? [6]

(c) ‘The Bolsheviks won the Civil War because of the Red Army.’ How far do you agree with this
statement? Explain your answer. [10]
_____________________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was Gosplan? [4]

(b) Why were women important to Stalin’s Russia? [6]

(c) How successful were Stalin’s economic changes? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________________

(a) What part did religion play in the Tsarist autocracy? [4]

(b) Why was there continuing discontent with Tsarist rule after the 1905 Revolution and up to the
outbreak of war in 1914? [6]

(c) How important was the First World War in the downfall of Tsar Nicholas II? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________________

(a) What was the ‘cult of Stalin’? [4]

(b) Why were the Purges disastrous for the Soviet Union? [6]

(c) ‘It was Stalin’s use of his power within the Communist Party that ensured his success in the
leadership contest.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________________

Policies introduced during Stalin’s period of leadership affected different groups.

(a) What was the impact of Stalin’s rule on women? [4]

(b) Why did Stalin discourage differing national identities within the Soviet Union? [6]

(c) How successful was Stalin’s policy of collectivisation? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe how Stolypin attempted to deal with Russia’s problems. [4]

(b) Why did opposition to the rule of the Tsar exist in Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century?
[6]

(c) ‘The Tsar taking personal command of the Russian Army was the main reason for his eventual
abdication.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________________
(a) What were the main features of the labour camps (gulags)? [4]

(b) Why was the NKVD a feared organisation? [6]

(c) ‘The main reason that Stalin introduced the Purges was to remove his opponents within the
Communist Party.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________________

(a) In what ways were official culture and censorship used to maintain Stalin’s control over the Soviet
Union? [4]

(b) Why were the Purges an effective way for Stalin to control the Soviet people? [6]

(c) ‘It was Trotsky’s weaknesses that enabled Stalin to achieve success in the leadership contest.’ How
far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________________

(a) Describe Russification. [4]

(b) Why was there resistance to collectivisation? [6]

(c) ‘The changes Stalin made to agriculture were more important than the changes he made to
industry.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]
____________________________________________________________________________________