| Date | November 2021 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 21N.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 I Adolf Hitler, Führer of Germany, writing in a letter to Benito Mussolini, Il Duce of Italy (25 August 1939).
The relationship of Germany to Poland, as a result of the policies of England, has become more unsatisfactory since spring and in the last few weeks the position has become simply unbearable. The reports about the persecution of the Germans in the border areas are not invented press reports but represent only a fraction of the terrible truth. The current policy of Poland has brought about a complete standstill in Danzig’s entire economic life for the past several weeks and would, if it were continued, destroy the city.
The readiness on the part of the Soviet government to negotiate with Germany has made it possible for me to send my Foreign Minister to Moscow for the conclusion of a treaty which is the most extensive non-aggression pact in existence and whose text will be made public.
[Source: Hitler, A., 1939. Letter from Hitler to Mussolini, August 25, 1939. [online] Available at:
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/ns057.asp [Accessed 14 December 2020]. Adapted.]
Source J Bernard Partridge, a political cartoonist, depicts Hitler and Joseph Stalin [Soviet Leader] after the signing of the Nazi–Soviet Pact in the cartoon “Doubtful Friends” for the British magazine Punch (27 September 1939). The wording on the map says “Poland”.
[Source: Punch Cartoon Library / TopFoto.]
What, according to Source I, were the reasons for the signing of the Nazi–Soviet Pact?
What does Source J suggest about the relationship between Hitler and Stalin?
Markscheme
- As a result of the policies of England, the relationship between Germany and Poland had become unbearable.
- The Germans in the border areas between Germany and Poland were being persecuted.
- The current policy of Poland had brought about a complete standstill in Danzig's economic life.
- The Soviet government was now more willing to negotiate with Germany.
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].
- They are both shaking hands indicating that relations between them seem to be good.
- They are both hiding something behind their back, suggesting mistrust. This is supported by the caption “doubtful friends”.
- The map of Poland they are standing on suggests that they have agreed to share Poland between them.
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
As has been the case in previous sessions, many candidates succeeded in identifying three valid points from the source. However, also as in previous sessions, a number of responses either rolled points together, or repeated or reworded the same point. Candidates should be reminded that three separate points are required for full marks and these should be derived from the content of the source rather than background knowledge.
There were several possible valid points to be made from the visual source. The vast majority of candidates offered at least one clear point with regards to what the source suggested. Candidates should be guided to look for different elements and dynamics in the pictorial sources and to offer two distinct points.
