| Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 19M.1.BP.TZ0.9 |
| Level | Both SL and HL | Paper | Paper 1 - first exams 2017 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | What | Question number | 9 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The sources and questions relate to case study 2: German and Italian expansion (1933–1940) — Responses: international response to German aggression (1933–1938).
Source I
Notes for the British Cabinet on conversations held in Berlin between John
Simon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and Adolf Hitler, German Chancellor
and Führer (March 1935).
John Simon thanked the Chancellor for the opportunity he had had of meeting him and for the way in which the British Ministers had been welcomed. But, observing the rule of frankness to the end, he must say that the British Ministers felt somewhat disappointed that it had not been possible to get a larger measure of agreement. They regretted that such difficulties were thought to exist on the German side in connection with some of the matters discussed. He did not regret having come to Berlin. He was sure that this meeting was the best way of continuing this investigation into the various points of view. What he regretted was that they had not been able to do more in the direction of promoting the general agreement which he was sure both sides wanted.
It showed that these things were more difficult and complicated than many believed them to be from a distance…
Hitler was also grateful to the British Government for the loyal efforts they had made in the matter of the Saar vote, and for all the other matters on which they had adopted such a loyal and generous attitude to Germany.
[Source: contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.]
Source J
Bernard Partridge, a cartoonist, depicts Adolf Hitler and John Simon in the
cartoon “Prosit!” [Cheers!] in the British satirical magazine Punch (27 March
1935). The wording on the tankard is “Conscription” and in the caption it is:
Herr Hitler: “The more we arm together the peacefuller [more peaceful] we’ll be!”
Sir John Simon: “Well—er—up to a certain point—and in certain cases—
provisionally—perhaps.”
[Source: Punch Cartoon Library / TopFoto]
What, according to Source I, were the conclusions reported to the British government regarding the March 1935 meeting in Berlin?
What does Source J suggest about Anglo-German relations in 1935?
Markscheme
- Greater agreement with Germany had not been achieved.
- Anglo-German relations were more complex and difficult than they seemed.
- Germany was grateful for Britain’s loyalty.
- Cooperation with Germany was the best course of action.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. It is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and no set answer is required. Award [1] for each relevant point up to a maximum of [3].
- Relations seem to be friendly.
- Hitler is enthusiastic and/or in control.
- Simon has reservations about allowing German rearmament.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. It is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and no set answer is required. Award [1] for each relevant point up to a maximum of [2].
Examiners report
Many candidates were able to identify three distinct points for the given source in each of the prescribed topics. Some candidates offered only two points or had made the same point more than once, and there were a few that made only one limited point.
Many candidates were able to offer two valid points in response to the visual source question. For example, for 9b that Anglo-German relations seemed friendly, and that the British/Simon had reservations about German rearmament.
