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Date November 2021 Marks available 15 Reference code 21N.3op4.HL.TZ0.25
Level Higher level only Paper Paper 3 (History of Europe) Time zone TZ0
Command term Examine Question number 25 Adapted from N/A

Question

Section 13: Europe and the First World War (1871–1918)

Examine the influence of German foreign policy on the major European powers between 1890 and 1908.

Markscheme

The question requires that candidates consider the interrelationship between German foreign policy and other European states. Major powers include Britain, France, Russia and Austria-Hungary. Candidates may examine how the change from Bismarck’s foreign policy to one of Weltpolitik influenced other powers. Candidates may examine how the unpredictable nature of German policy in the 1890’s drew Britain out of isolation (Kruger telegram, Naval Laws, colonialism) and into closer relations with France and Russia. German actions in Morocco strengthened this relationship. In the case of France, increased suspicion of Germany led to an alliance with Russia in 1894. France was also keen to seek agreement with Britain in 1904. In the case of Russia, the end of the Reinsurance Treaty led to the Dual Alliance. German support of Austria-Hungary in the Balkans drew Russia towards an alliance with Britain, as well as France. For Austria-Hungary, it could be argued that German support emboldened their Balkan policy (Bosnia 1908). Candidates may argue that a consequence of German foreign policy was that Europe was divided into two increasingly militarized blocs. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence.

Examiners report

The question required that candidates consider the interrelationship between German foreign policy and the major European powers between 1890 and 1908. Some very good answers were seen to this question. Candidates were able to show the influence of German foreign policy in the relevant period on the major powers especially in the cases of Britain and France. However, some candidates needed more knowledge on the influence of German foreign policy on Russia and Austria-Hungary.

Syllabus sections

HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe » 13: Europe and the First World War (1871–1918) » Foreign policy of Kaiser Wilhelm II: domestic conditions that impacted on German foreign policy; its impact/influence on other countries, including Britain, France, Russia and Austria-Hungary
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe » 13: Europe and the First World War (1871–1918)
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe
HL options: first exams 2017

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