| Date | November 2020 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 20N.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
Source J David Low, a political cartoonist, depicts Mussolini in the cartoon “Pah! They were uncivilized savages, without ideals.” in the British newspaper The Evening Standard (3 April 1936). The containers he is carrying have “poison gas” written on them.
[Source: David Low / Solo Syndication.]
What does Source J suggest about the Italian invasion of Abyssinia?
Markscheme
- The Italian forces used advanced weapons such as poison gas and aircraft.
- The invasion was brutal and caused death and devastation.
- It implies that Mussolini believed the Abyssinians were uncivilized, compared to the Italians.
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
Most candidates offered at least one clear point regarding what the visual source revealed, with many able to identify two valid points. It was pleasing to encounter responses that explored the different elements of the source, for example the ironic nature of the cartoon in Source J in PS3. Nevertheless, a proportion of candidates gave only one developed point. Candidates should be guided to look for different elements and dynamics in the visual sources.
