To what extent did domestic instability in the Central Powers contribute to their defeat in 1918?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that domestic instability in the Central Powers contributed to their defeat in 1918. Candidates may refer to the political turmoil and social unrest experienced in some countries, such as Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire where national groups fought for their freedom. Candidates may also consider the economic instability caused by the war that led to inflation, destruction of capital and a shortage of labour in the Central Powers. There may be reference to the impact of the naval blockade leading to labour unrest, especially in Germany. Candidates may challenge the question by considering other factors that contributed to their defeat like the entry of US in the war, or the military and economic superiority of their enemies. There may be reference to the number of fronts the Central powers were fighting on and the collapse of their alliances. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that domestic instability in the Central Powers contributed to their defeat in 1918. This was a popular question. There were many very good responses to this question. Generally, there was some in-depth knowledge of domestic instability in Germany and Austria-Hungary. In some cases, there was also mention of Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire. Other factors in the defeat of the Central Powers were also often discussed successfully; for example, strategic errors, the weakness of Germany's allies, the strengths of the Entente powers and the role of the US.