IGCSE Papers on 19th & 20th Century German History

 IGCSE HISTORY
Paper 2

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER SESSION 2002

 HOW FAR WAS BISMARCK RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UNIFICATION OF GERMANY?
 

Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions.

Background Information
On 18 January 1871, at Versailles near Paris, the new united German Empire was proclaimed. Historians disagree about the process by which Germany came to be united. Some have argued that not only was Bismarck largely responsible for bringing about unification, but that this was his overall plan which he followed step by step even before he became Prime Minister of Prussia in 1862. Others have argued either that Bismarck had no plan and merely reacted to events as they happened, or that there were many other factors more important than Bismarck working for German unity.

SOURCE A

Many modern historians support the view that from the 1830s onwards Prussia was using the Zollverein to achieve ‘a Prussian solution to the German question’. The argument is that those German states who found financial advantage in an economic union under Prussian leadership might be expected to take a favourable view of similar arrangements in a political union. The Zollverein was a force for unity in the 1840s and therefore a focal point for nationalist sentiments. As a result, Prussia, despite not having liberal sympathies, came to be regarded by many as the natural leader of a united Germany.

From a history book published in 1986.

SOURCE B

Few would dispute that the Zollverein was a powerful factor in the eventual exclusion of Austria from a united Germany dominated by Prussia. It is also by no means clear that the Zollverein could have achieved German unity unaided by other factors. The lesser German states clung to their independence. In 1866 the South German States were not prevented by their membership of the Zollverein from allying with Austria against Prussia.

From a different history book published in 1986.

SOURCE C

The demands which have been expressed loudly throughout our fatherland, and the past calls of the state governments have led, in this great hour, to this great Assembly, such as has never been seen in our history.
The best of our old political life is revealed in the basic principles of this Assembly, which has been greeted with joy and confidence by the entire German people. It is a great new achievement – the German parliament.
The German governments and the Bund are united with the German people in their similar love for our great fatherland.

A message from the Bund, at the opening of the German National Assembly, 18 May 1848.

 SOURCE D 

Bismarck might be described as firstly Prussian, secondly through and through Prussian and thirdly German through Prussian. He has a great contempt of public opinion and of German liberalism. I think that nothing would persuade him against the aim of an expansion of Prussian territory, which is the object of his life.

A representative of the British government in Prussia writing to the British Foreign Secretary, May 1862. 

SOURCE E

 A British cartoon published in 1867. France is saying to Prussia: ‘Now you are big enough. You must not get any bigger. I’m telling you this for your health.’

 SOURCE F

Germany doesn’t look to Prussia’s liberalism, but to its power: Bavaria, Württemberg, Baden can indulge in liberalism, but no one will expect them to undertake Prussia’s role; Prussia must gather her strength in readiness for the favourable moment, which has already been missed several times; Prussia’s boundaries are not favourable to a healthy political life; the great decisions of the time will be made not by means of speeches and majority verdicts – that was the great mistake of 1848 and 1849 – but by iron and blood.

Bismarck speaking to the Prussian Landtag in September 1862.

SOURCE G

When the army has been brought to such a state as to command respect, then I shall take the first opportunity to declare war with Austria, tear apart the German Confederation, bring the middle and smaller states under our control and give Germany a national union under the leadership of Prussia.

Bismarck speaking to a British politician in 1862.

SOURCE H

It seems to me that two facts have tended to guide German policy into new paths, to modify the position of Bavaria, and to unite the country more closely to Germany. One of these facts is the awakened spirit of nationalism throughout the German people, and the other is the changed status of Austria and Prussia. The German Empire is complete not because military alliance means giving in to the power of the stronger ally, but because German nationalism has become a power in this war and a force to which preference for traditional institutions must give way.

From a speech by Prince Hohenlohe to the Upper House of Bavaria, in 1870 just after the end of the Franco-Prussian War.

 SOURCE I

 

A painting entitled ‘The Proclamation of the German Empire’. This is the third version of this painting and was painted in 1885 to celebrate Bismarck’s seventieth birthday. The original version was painted in 1871 and showed the occasion as dull, with Bismarck in a less important position. In this version, the artist has placed Bismarck at the centre (in white).

SOURCE J

In later life Bismarck claimed that he had always intended to fight Austria and to unify Germany, and this version was generally accepted by his admirers and by most historians. In reality, Bismarck’s greatness lay not in mastering events, but in going with events so as to seem to master them.

From a British history book published in 1945.

Now answer all the following questions. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.
1 Study Sources A and B.
How far do Sources A and B agree? Use the sources to explain your answer. [6]
2 Study Sources C and D.
Would Bismarck have approved of the message in Source C? Use the sources and your knowledge to explain your answer. [8]
3 Study Source E.
What is the message of this cartoon? Use the cartoon and your knowledge to explain your answer.
[7]
4 Study Sources F, G and H.
How far do Sources F and G prove that Prince Hohenlohe (in Source H) was wrong? Use the sources and your knowledge to explain your answer. [9]
5 Study Source I.
Has this source any value for the historian studying the unification of Germany? Use the source and your knowledge to explain your answer. [8]
6 Study all the sources.
‘Bismarck planned, and was largely responsible for, the unification of Germany in 1871.’ How far do the sources in this paper support this view? Use the sources to explain your answer. [12]

 

 0470/02 May/June 2008
 

Option A: 19th Century topic
WAS GERMAN FOREIGN POLICY IN THE EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY AGGRESSIVE OR DEFENSIVE?
Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions.

Background Information
In the years leading up to the First World War Germany often expressed two concerns. The first was the fear of being encircled as the result of the Entente Cordiale of 1904 and the Triple Entente of 1907; the second was the fact that Germany was alone amongst the great powers in not having a major overseas empire – Germany wanted its ‘place in the sun’. The Moroccan Crises of 1905–6 and 1911 involved both of these issues, with Germany trying to disrupt international alliances and attempting to maintain an influence in Morocco.
In the years leading up to the First World War Germany claimed that it was merely responding to these two concerns and that it was acting defensively. However, other countries claimed that German foreign policy was aggressive and threatened peace in Europe. To support their views they pointed to extreme organisations in Germany like the Pan-German League that preached hatred of France, Britain and Russia and supported an aggressive policy of overseas expansion. Was German foreign policy as aggressive as they suggested?

SOURCE A

In the nineteenth century, England has increased its colonial empire – the largest the world has seen since the days of the Romans – further and further; the French have put down roots in North Africa and East Africa and created for themselves a new empire in the Far East; Russia has begun its mighty course of victory in Asia. The Sino-Japanese War has put things further in motion; it has led to great, momentous, far-reaching decisions, shaken old empires, and added new and serious upheaval. The English prime minister has said that the strong states were getting stronger and stronger and the weak ones weaker and weaker. We don’t want to step on the toes of any foreign power, but at the same time we don’t want our own feet trod on by any foreign power (Bravo!) and we don’t intend to be pushed aside by any foreign power, not in political nor in economic terms. (Lively applause.) To stand dreamily to one side while other people split up the pie, we cannot and we will not do that. (Applause.) We cannot for the simple reason that we now have interests in all parts of the world. If the English speak of a ‘Greater Britain’; if the French speak of a ‘Nouvelle France’; if the Russians open up Asia; then we, too, have the right to a greater Germany (Bravo! from the right, laughter from the left), not in the sense of conquest, but indeed in the sense of peaceful extension of our trade. But we’ll only be able to keep ourselves in front with power, a strong army and a strong fleet. (Very true! from the right; objections from the left.) In the coming century the German people will be the victors or the defeated.

Bernhard von Bülow in a speech to the Reichstag on 11 December 1899. Bülow was a member of the German government and was in charge of foreign policy. The text in italics reports the reactions of the audience.

 SOURCE B

Morocco is a German concern owing to our increasing population and need of naval bases. If Germany does not make her claims, she will retire empty-handed from the partition of the world. Are the German people to get nothing? The time has come when Germany must secure Morocco.

From a German newspaper in 1904.  

 
SOURCE C

It is an insult to the German Empire to have been overlooked in the talks between Britain and France on the future of Morocco. Germany has been treated as a third-rate power.

The reaction of the Pan-German League in 1904 to the Entente Cordiale.
 

SOURCE D

Before the ring of other Great Powers tightens around us, we must attempt with all our energies and with the utmost determination to break the ring. This is why the Kaiser visited Morocco.

A German Government official speaking to a friend shortly after the Kaiser's visit to Morocco in 1905.
 

SOURCE E

31 March, 1905
There was a grand reception for His Majesty by Moroccan officials and the German colony. Then a ride through the gaily decorated streets amid the indescribable joy of the natives and the European population. In the Embassy there was a reception of Germans, the diplomatic corps, and the Sultan’s envoy.
In conversing with the French agent in Morocco, the Kaiser said that his visit meant that His Majesty wanted free trade for Germany and complete equality of rights with other countries. His Majesty said that he would like to work directly with the Sultan, the free ruler of an independent country, as an equal; that he himself would be able to make his just claims valid, and that he expected that these claims would also be recognized by France. The French agent became pale. He was about to respond, but was abruptly dismissed. He withdrew with his head down.
His Majesty remarked that he looked upon the Sultan as the ruler of a free and independent empire subject to no foreign control; that he expected Germany to have advantages equal to those of other countries in trade and commerce; and that he himself would always negotiate directly with the Sultan.
On the whole the brief visit of His Majesty came off splendidly without any unfortunate event. His Majesty was highly satisfied with the visit, especially with the confidential message of the Sultan, brought to His Majesty, that he would introduce no reforms without a previous understanding with the German Government.

From a report by a German official to the German Foreign Office describing Kaiser Wilhelm's visit to Morocco in March 1905.  

 SOURCE F

A cartoon about the Second Moroccan Crisis, published in 1911.  

 

SOURCE G

A cartoon about the Second Moroccan Crisis published in August 1911. The figure representing Germany is saying ‘Oh No! It’s rock. I thought it was going to be paper.’

 

SOURCE H

If a situation were to be forced upon us in which peace could only be preserved by the surrender of the great position Britain has won by centuries of heroism and achievement, by allowing herself to be treated, where her interests were vitally affected, as if she were of no importance, then I say strongly that peace at that price would be a humiliation intolerable for a great country like ours to endure.

Lloyd George, a member of the British Government, making a public speech in reaction to Germany sending the 'Panther' to Morocco, July 1911.
 

SOURCE I

Now we know where our enemy stands. Like a flash of lightning in the night, these events have shown the German people where the enemy is. The German people now knows its enemy when it seeks its place in the sun, when it seeks the place allotted to it by destiny. When the time comes we are prepared for sacrifices, both of blood and of resources.

From a speech by Heydebrand, the Conservative leader, in the Reichstag. He was responding to Lloyd George's speech.

 SOURCE J

I am thoroughly fed up with this wretched Morocco affair. If once again we crawl out of this affair with our tail between our legs, if we cannot pluck up the courage to take a tough line which we are prepared to enforce with the sword, then I despair of the future of the German empire. Then I shall resign.

Helmuth von Moltke, head of the German army, writing to his wife during the Second Moroccan Crisis.

 

Now answer all the following questions. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your own knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.
 

1 Study Source A.
How useful is this source as evidence of German attitudes at the end of the nineteenth century?
Explain your answer using the source and your knowledge. [7]
2 Study Sources, B, C and D.
How far do these sources agree about German intervention in Morocco? Explain your answer using the sources and your knowledge. [6]
3 Study Source E.
How reliable is this source about the Kaiser’s visit to Morocco? Explain your answer using the source and your knowledge. [8]
4 Study Sources F and G.
Both of these cartoons are about the Second Moroccan Crisis. Which one is British and which is German? Explain your answer using the sources and your knowledge. [9]
5 Study Sources H, I and J.
Are you surprised by the reactions in Sources I and J? Explain your answer using the sources and your knowledge. [8]
6 Study all the sources.
Some historians have claimed that German foreign policy in the early twentieth century was aggressive, whilst others have claimed it was merely defending German interests. Which of these two views is better supported by these sources? Use the sources to explain your answer. [12]

 

 

IGCSE HISTORY
Paper 2

0470/02 May/June 2008

 

Option B: 20th Century topic

 

DID EVERYONE FAIL TO UNDERSTAND THAT HITLER WAS A SERIOUS THREAT?

Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions. 

Background Information
Soon after Hitler came to power he started to build up Germany’s armed forces. In 1935 he introduced conscription to the army. Both measures broke the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty had also de-militarised the Rhineland, but in 1936 Hitler sent in his troops. He did this shortly after Russia and France reached an agreement to protect each other if they were attacked. Hitler claimed that Germany was under threat and should be able to defend itself.
The fact that no country opposed the re-militarisation of the Rhineland gave Hitler confidence to go further. The Anschluss with Austria and the invasion of Czechoslovakia followed. Did no one see that Hitler was a serious threat?
 

SOURCE A

Well now, you may take it from me that the news from Germany is the very best news that we have had since the war. Ever since 1918 we, like all the other powers, have been behaving just as badly as we possibly could. Well now, when Germany was defeated, they went and sat on Germany’s head and they kept sitting on Germany’s head although it was quite clear to any sensible person, that they couldn’t go on like that forever. Then there came a very intelligent gentleman named Adolf Hitler and he, knowing perfectly well that the powers would not fight, snapped his fingers at the Treaty of Versailles. Just exactly as we would if we had been in the same position. There can be no peace in the world until there is peace between England, France, Germany, Russia and the United States and all the big powers of the West. Now take that home and think about it and don’t be frightened any more about the Germans.

From a newsreel shown in cinemas all over Britain in 1935. It is commenting on Hitler's rearmament of Germany.
 

SOURCE B

When I think of those four terrible years, and I think of the 7 million young men who were cut off in their prime, the 13 million who were maimed and mutilated, the misery and suffering of the mothers and the fathers, and the sons and daughters, of those who were killed, then I have to say again what I have said before, and what I say now, not only to you, but to all the world – in war, whichever side may call itself victor, there are no winners, but all are losers. It is those thoughts which have made me feel that it is my first duty to strain every nerve to avoid a repetition of the Great World War in Europe.

Neville Chamberlain, British Prime Minister, speaking to members of his own party in 1938.

 

Up to now we have succeeded in leaving the enemy in the dark concerning Germany’s real goals. They could have suppressed us but they let us through the danger zone. In 1933 a French prime minister ought to have said (and if I had been the French prime minister I would have said it): ‘The new Reich Chancellor is the man who wrote Mein Kampf, which says this and that. This man cannot be tolerated. Either he disappears or we march!’ But they didn’t do it. They left us alone and let us slip through the danger zone. And when we were done, and well armed, better than they, then they started the war!
Goebbels talking to German journalists in April 1940. Goebbels was a member of Hitler's government, responsible for propaganda.
 

SOURCE D

A cartoon published in Britain in 1936.

 

 SOURCE E

Berlin. 8 March 1936.
The forty-eight hours after the march into the Rhineland were the most nerve-racking in my life. If the French had then marched into the Rhineland, we would have had to withdraw with our tails between our legs, for the military resources at our disposal would have been wholly inadequate for even a moderate resistance.
What would have happened in March 1936 if anyone other than myself had been in charge of Germany! Anyone else would have lost his nerve. I had to lie. We were saved by my unshakeable obstinacy and my remarkable daring. I threatened, unless the situation ceased in twenty-four hours, to send in six extra divisions into the Rhineland. In fact, I only had four brigades.

Hitler talking to his interpreter after the Rhineland crisis of March 1936.

 

SOURCE F

Hitler has got away with it! France is not marching. Instead it is appealing to the League! No wonder the faces of Hitler and Goering and Blomberg and Fritsch [top German commanders] were all smiles this noon. Oh, the stupidity of the French! I learned today on absolute authority that the German troops had strict orders to beat a hasty retreat if the French army opposed them in any way. They were not prepared or equipped to fight a regular army. Apparently Fritsch and most of the generals opposed the move.

An extract from the diary of an American journalist working in Berlin.

SOURCE G

The greatest danger and the one which threatens to destroy Europe is not facing the facts with respect to Germany and Italy. The facts with respect to Germany are known but they have not been consistently faced. In some countries there has been an effort through control of the press to keep the facts from the people and Europe is now hampered in facing facts through an unprepared public opinion.
The fundamental fact is that the regime in Germany is based on a program of ruthless force. This program has for its aim to use the force of its 67 million people for the extension of German political and economic control over South-Eastern Europe – thus putting it in a position to dominate Europe completely. From this position Germany will be able to dictate its policies to the rest of the world. Fantastic as this may seem, it has been and is the programme of Hitler’s Germany.

A report from the United States’ ambassador in Austria to his government, March 1936.

 SOURCE H

 A Soviet cartoon published in 1936. It shows the western countries with Hitler.

 

 

SOURCE Ic

An American cartoon published in March 1936.

Now answer all the following questions. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your own knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.
 

1 Study Sources A and B.
How far do these two sources agree? Explain your answer using the sources. [7]
2 Study Sources B and C.
How far does Source C make Chamberlain’s attitude in Source B surprising? Explain your answer using the sources and your knowledge. [7]
3 Study Source D.
Why did the cartoonist draw this cartoon? Explain your answer using the source and your knowledge. [7]
4 Study Sources E, F and G.
How far do Sources E and F prove that Source G was wrong? Explain your answer using the sources and your knowledge. [9]
5 Study Sources H and I.
How similar are the views of these two cartoonists about the international situation in 1936? Explain your answer using the sources and your knowledge. [8]
6 Study all the sources.
How far do these sources support the view that no one understood how dangerous Hitler was to international peace and stability? Use the sources to explain your answer. [12]

 

 

October/November 2003

Option B: 20th Century topic
WAS APPEASEMENT OVER THE SUDETENLAND JUSTIFIED?
Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions.

Background Information
After Hitler had won control of Austria, he turned his attention to Czechoslovakia. Over three million Germans lived in the Sudetenland, a part of Czechoslovakia. In the summer of 1938, Hitler claimed that the Sudeten Germans were being mistreated, and he moved troops to the Czech border. Czechoslovakia appealed to Britain and France for support. The British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, did everything he could to avoid war. After a series of meetings with Hitler, on 29 September at the Munich Conference, France and Britain agreed to give Hitler the Sudetenland. Were Chamberlain and Daladier, the French Prime Minister, right to appease Hitler over the Sudetenland?
 

SOURCE A

Czechoslovakia is a state created by forcing other nationalities, without asking them, into a structure manufactured at Versailles. The Czechs began to oppress and mishandle the majority of the inhabitants. Among the nationalities being oppressed are three and a half million Germans. These Germans are the creatures of God. That conditions in Czechoslovakia are unbearable is generally known. In the name of a certain President Wilson, three and a half million were robbed of their right to self-determination. Economically these people were deliberately ruined and afterwards handed over to a slow process of extermination. The misery of the Sudeten Germans is without end.

Hitler speaking at a Nazi Party rally, 12 September 1938.

SOURCE B

You have only to look at the map of Europe to see that nothing we or France could do could possibly save Czechoslovakia from being overrun by the Germans, if they wanted to do it. The Austrian frontier is practically open. Therefore we could not help Czechoslovakia – it would simply be an excuse for going to war with Germany.

The entry in Chamberlain’s diary for 20 March 1938.

SOURCE C

How horrible, fantastic, incredible it is that we should be digging trenches and trying on gas masks here because of a quarrel in a far away country between people of whom we know nothing. After my visits to Germany I have realised how Herr Hitler feels he must protect the other Germans, and his anger that grievances have not been resolved. He told me privately, and last night he repeated publicly, that after this Sudeten German question is settled, that is the end of Germany’s territorial claims in Europe.

From Chamberlain’s radio broadcast to the people of Britain, 27 September 1938.

 

SOURCE D

 

A German cartoon published on 22 May 1938. The title of the cartoon is ‘A Czech Beer-Hall.’ In the beer-hall are the different minority peoples of Czechoslovakia. The landlord is serving them beer from the barrel labelled ‘Versailles brew’. The customers are complaining about the poor quality of the beer.

SOURCE E

A cartoon titled ‘Nightmare Waiting List’. It was published in a British newspaper on 9 September 1938.

 SOURCE F

 

A cartoon published in a British newspaper on 25 September 1938.

SOURCE G

PEACE

 Be glad in your hearts. Give thanks to your God. The wings of peace settle about us and the peoples of Europe. The prayers of the troubled hearts are answered. People of Britain, your children are safe. Your husbands and sons will not march into battle.
It was a war that nobody wanted. Nobody in Germany. Nobody in France. Nobody, above all, in Britain, which had no concern at all with the issues at stake.
Through these black days, this newspaper clung to the belief that peace would prevail. Over and over again we said it, ‘There will be no European war.’
If we must have a victor, let us choose Chamberlain. For the Prime Minister’s conquests are mighty. And now let us get back to our own affairs. We have had enough of those menaces from the Continent.

From a British newspaper, 30 September 1938.

SOURCE H

There is no doubt that Germany has the largest army outside Russia. When completely organised, her thirty-six infantry divisions alone will include 600000 men. Britain has just over 150000 men. No reasonable observer can doubt that, if Hitler organises his thirty-six divisions and trains 300000 conscripts a year, in a few years’ time he will have the finest army in Europe. The French army is superior at the moment, but every year that passes makes more possible Goering’s plan of a sudden dash against Germany’s enemies.

From a British book written in 1938.

 SOURCE I

We ought to have gone to war in 1938. Although we were ourselves not fully prepared, we were better prepared than the enemy. September 1938 would have been the best date.

Hitler speaking in February 1945.

SOURCE J

We have suffered a total defeat. All is over. I think you will find in a period of time Czechoslovakia will be overrun by the Nazis. We have passed an awful moment in our history, when the whole balance of power in Europe has been upset. And do not suppose this is the end. This is only the beginning of the conflict.

Winston Churchill speaking in the British Parliament, October 1938.
 

SOURCE K

Why did Chamberlain and Daladier help Hitler to achieve his aims? They hoped to appease Hitler by giving him some Czech land. They wanted to direct German aggression eastwards towards the Soviet Union. In March 1939 the USSR opened talks with France and Britain to discuss ways of preventing Nazi aggression. These talks showed how unwilling Britain and France were to set up a united front against Hitler.

A Soviet historian writing in 1981.

Now answer all the following questions. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.
 

1 Study Source A.
Why do you think Hitler made this speech in September 1938? Explain your answer. [6]
2 Study Sources B and C.
Does Source B show that Chamberlain was lying to the British people in Source C? Explain your answer. [7]
3 Study Sources D and E.
‘These two cartoons prove it was right for Hitler to demand that all Germans should be united.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [7]
4 Study Sources F and G.
How far would the cartoonist who drew Source F have agreed with Source G? Explain your answer. [7]
5 Study Sources H and I.
How far do these two sources show that Chamberlain should have gone to war over
Czechoslovakia in 1938? Explain your answer. [7]
5 Study Sources J and K.
Do you think that Churchill (Source J) would have agreed with the Soviet historian (Source K)? Explain your answer. [6]
7 Study all the sources.
How far do these sources show that appeasement over the Sudetenland was justified? Explain your answer. [10]