IB HL History

Christopher Wong

Past Paper 3 Questions

M14/3/HISTX/HP3/ENG/TZ0/EM/M
Imperial Russia, revolutions, emergence of Soviet State 18531924
10. The First World War was the main cause of the 1917 February/March Revolution
in Russia. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
The question invites candidates to examine a range of causes and then to make a
judgment on which was the most significant. Many will no doubt accept that the war was the
main cause of the February Revolution. Other causes could include: longer term discontent with
limitations of political change after 1905 (Duma power was limited and by 1914 political parties
were legal but political power still rested with the autocracy); the impact of industrialization
and urbanization (leading to overcrowded conditions for workers in the cities) causing
discontent, for example, the strikes of Lena goldfields and over 1.5 million industrial workers in
the last few months of peace. Peasant revolts were also prevalent. Thus on the eve of war,
Russia was unstable with much discontent. There was potential for revolution without the
added stresses of war. On the role of the war itself, initial enthusiasm was rapidly destroyed by
the failure of the Tsars regime to fight effectively. Evidence could include: defeats at
Tannenburg and the Masurian Lakes; high casualties; the failure to logistically support the
army; shortages of weapons at the front; failure to provide food and medical supplies to the
troops. In the cities, high inflation and food shortages, coupled with the role of Rasputin and the
Tsarina, led to increasing criticism of the Tsarist regime. Nicholas IIs assumption of military
command and his refusal to share power with the Duma meant all discontent was focused on
the monarchy. Candidates may well argue that the regime was inherently weak and that
revolution would have happened because of this at some point, and that the stresses of war
merely acted as a catalyst for revolution.
European diplomacy and the First World War 18701923
11. Analyse the main objectives of German foreign policy between 1890 and 1914.
This is not a question on the causes of the First World War, rather, it gives an opportunity
for candidates to show their knowledge of German foreign policy between 1890 and 1914 and
asks for an analysis of the main objectives. Some may focus on German naval and colonial
policy (the claim for A Place in the Sun was stated by Blow in 1897), while others may focus
more on German support of AustriaHungary in the Balkans and the desire for a Mitteleuropa.
Others may highlight the unpredictability of German policy and comment on the character of
Kaiser Wilhelm II (Daily Telegraph affair). Other approaches could emphasize how objectives
shifted over time within this period, or how foreign policy was driven by domestic concerns
specifically by what was seen as the threat of the rise of the SPD. Fear of a two front war and
the resultant military planning (Schlieffen Plan) could also be discussed as well as the view that
Russia would only become industrially and militarily stronger over time (War Council meeting of
December 1912 and Moltkes view that war was inevitable and the sooner the better).
12. Compare and contrast the contribution of the British and German home fronts in
determining the outcome of the First World War.
The First World War was the first total war in history. For comparison between Britain
and Germany, candidates could focus on conscription, propaganda and the degree of suspension
of domestic political conflict, among others. Britain and Germany could both be examined for
reorganization of the economy, rationing and the extent to which women were incorporated into
the workforce. For contrasts: candidates might choose to focus on specific episodes during the
war. For example, in Britain, the Shell crisis of 1915 and the emergence of the Ministry of
Munitions, which supported the British military effort. For Germany, candidates could assess
the Burgfrieden, conditions from 1916 onwards, including the Turnip Winter, the growth of
the black market and the way in which labour unrest (strikes and the Kiel Mutiny) contributed
to political instability and an eventual willingness to seek an armistice, implicitly conceding
defeat.

IB HL History
Christopher Wong
Interwar years: conflict and cooperation 19191939
15. Hitlers rule in Germany gave most Germans what they wanted in the years 1933
1939. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Answers will have to identify the problems that faced Germany in the years before Hitler
gained power and the extent to which Hitler resolved these problems (including: economic
crisis; mass unemployment; weak governments; lack of law and order because of political
violence; threat of revolution; national humiliation, ie Versailles). The main focus should be on
how these problems were or were not dealt with: unemployment fell because of Schachts New
Plan, which included public works schemes, conscription and rearmament; the one-party state
and dictatorship (fully established by August 1934) ended political violence on the streets and
gave the impression of strong, stable government. From the beginning, Hitler pursued a foreign
policy designed to remove the Versailles settlement and restore national pride, including
leaving the League of Nations, ignoring the military clauses of Versailles and remilitarizing the
Rhineland, etc. All of these actions were popular. Plebiscites and levels of collusion with the
regime also indicate that most Germans were willing to support the regime for the benefits it
brought. Levels of opposition could also be considered: repression dealt with overt opposition,
but there was little covert opposition within Germany until Hitler began to move towards war.
16. Analyse the political impact of the Great Depression on any one country of the
region.
Case studies might include Germany, Spain, Britain or France, but accept any valid
example. For Germany, candidates may focus on Nazi electoral gains and their links with the
level of unemployment. The failure of the Mller, Brning, Schleicher and Von Papen
governments may also be outlined. In other cases, it could be argued that the impact was to
strengthen the Left, for example in France, with the formation of the Popular Front government
in 1936. In Spain, the Great Depression contributed to general political instability with both
right-wing and left-wing governments in power during the Second Republic. Another point of
view would be that, in general, all governing parties of whatever political persuasion were
undermined as a result of the Great Depression.
20. The dominant motive for the formation of NATO in 1949 was to contain Soviet
expansion. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Candidates should show knowledge of what, as far as the West was concerned,
constituted post-war Soviet expansion. Examples could include the overthrow of the
Czechoslovak government (February 1948) and the Soviet Blockade of Berlin (June 1948), but
allow other instances. For balanced answers, candidates could discuss other motives for the
formation of NATO: the wish to prevent any possible future resurgence of European militarism
through a strong US commitment to Europe and the desire in some quarters to encourage
European political integration. Candidates may also present a revisionist point of view that
Truman wished to assert US economic and political power in Europe (Truman Doctrine and
Marshall Plan) and that the formation of NATO was part of this strategy. Some candidates may
also integrate knowledge of the Treaty of Brussels (March 1948), and its creation of the
Western Union (later Western European Union) by Britain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium
and Luxembourg. This was absorbed by NATO.

M12/3/HISTX/HP3/ENG/TZ0/EM/M
Imperial Russia, revolutions, emergence of Soviet State 18531924
10. Lenin was able to consolidate Bolshevik rule in Russia by combining
popular policies and repression. To what extent do you agree with this
statement about Bolshevik rule up to 1924?
Popular policies could include the Decree on Peace and Decree on Land in 1917,
the New Economic Policy in the period 19211924 which established a compromise

IB HL History
Christopher Wong

economy and ended the rigours of War Communism which was very unpopular.
Currency reform also helped stabilize the economy. Repression Red Terror (Cheka) in
1918, reintroduction of censorship, the use of force to close the Constituent Assembly,
the massacre of the Kronstadt Sailors 1921 and the elimination of Mensheviks and S.Rs
and the establishment of the One Party State by 1922. More able candidates may also
point to the fact that the death of the tsar and his family and success in the civil war
had eliminated any realistic alternative to Bolshevik rule. If only policies or repression
is addressed, mark out of a maximum of [12 marks].
European diplomacy and the First World War 18701923
11. Assess the importance of Balkan nationalism as a reason for the outbreak
of the First World War.
The longer term underlying tensions in Europe which contributed to the outbreak
of war in 1914 will no doubt be well known and could be made relevant, particularly the
development of the Alliance system where Russia made unlikely alliances with France
and later Great Britain as a consequence of German support of Austrian ambitions and
fears in the Balkans. Austrian anxiety over Serb nationalism led to full annexation of
Bosnia in 1908, which led to the growth of nationalists groups such as the Black
Hand. The Balkan wars led to the virtual expulsion of Turkey from Europe, a greatly
enlarged Serbia and a very anxious Austria. The removal of Turkey meant that tensions
in the Balkans brought Austria and Russia into direct confrontation, and after the
assassination of Franz Ferdinand the failure to resolve the crisis brought the Alliance
system into play. Thus it could be argued that instability in the Balkans was a key factor
in the development of a crisis, which led to war. If candidates challenge the question
and provide well-evidenced, well-structured arguments then these should be rewarded
appropriately.
12. Why were the Central Powers defeated by 1918?
Candidates should attempt to give an overview of the whole war and focus on key
issues, which contributed to failure. The main focus will no doubt be on Germany and
those candidates who address the problems of her allies as well as Germany should be
well rewarded (e.g. internal tensions in Austria such as Czech nationalism, the success
of the British campaigns in the Middle East). Key factors include: the failure of the
Schlieffen Plan which led to a war of attrition; the imbalance between the sides; the
Allies included Britain and the Commonwealth and her European Allies plus the US
from April 1917 which brought huge reserves of manpower and resources; the impact
of the Naval Blockade and control of the seas; poor decisions on the part of the
Germans e.g. unrestricted submarine warfare, internal problems within Germany;
labour unrest and the threat of revolution the failure of the Ludendorff Offensive 1918
increased internal problems in Germany and led to the request for an armistice which
was an admission that Germany could no longer continue fighting.
Interwar years: conflict and cooperation 19191939
16. The policy of appeasement was a major cause of the outbreak of war in
1939. To whatextent do you agree with this statement?
This is a causes of the Second World War question and will allow candidates to
use their knowledge of the historical debate on appeasement. It is not a failure of the
League of Nations question and answers, which focus on this, should not score highly.
Although appeasement is most closely associated with Chamberlain it could be argued

IB HL History
Christopher Wong

that it was followed earlier on issues such as rearmament and the reoccupation of the
Rhineland and the Anschluss. However Chamberlain was more definite in his pursuit of
appeasement as was seen in his willingness to negotiate over the Czech crisis in 1938.
He even accepted the German occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939 as Czechoslovakia
had not technically been invaded. The NaziSoviet Pact could also be seen as Stalin
temporarily appeasing Hitler. Candidates could argue that war was inevitable as a
consequence of Hitlers goal of Lebensraum in the east. However they could also argue
that appeasement allowed Hitler to gain confidence in pursuit of that goal and
undermined potential military opposition in Germany who were satisfied with the gains
of German foreign policy up to 1938. In that sense it was a cause of war as Hitler
remained in power. If there is reference to historians views then they should be
discussed, challenged or supported.
The Soviet Union and Eastern Europe 19242000
17. Analyse the reasons for Stalins emergence as Lenins successor by 1929.
Balanced answers should consider Stalins strengths as well as the weaknesses of
his opponents and make a judgement as to which factors were most important. Stalins
strengths: his position as party secretary allowed him to build a power base within the
party the 1924 Lenin Enrolment led to a more manageable membership. His
positioning of himself as Lenins Apostle and chief mourner also allowed him to gain
support. Shifting alliances (first with Zinoviev and Kamenev later Bukharin). His
flexibility on policy posing first as a moderate and later adopting the radical policy of
rapid industrialization and Socialism-in One -Country could be seen as political cunning
or flexible responses to changing situations such as the grain crisis of 1927. Opponents
weaknesses: Trotsky was regarded with suspicion by many because of his Menshevik
past, his apparent disrespect for Lenin not at the funeral, questioning Lenins policies,
etc. Agreeing with the Politburo not to publish Lenins Testament meant Stalin
remained in place. Kamenev and Zinoviev left it too late to form the Left Opposition
with Trotsky. By then Stalin had a strong grip on the party they were accused of
factionalism. Bukharin was never a major threat, he was too capitalist in his ideas.
N13/3/HISTX/HP3/ENG/TZ0/EM/M
Unification and consolidation of Germany and Italy 18151890
4. Bismarck was first and foremost a Prussian nationalist. To what extent do
you agree with this statement?
The events of the years 18621871 will be well known, and reward answers that
clearly link Bismarcks actions to the increased strength of Prussia within Germany and
Europe. It would be legitimate for answers to also explore Bismarcks views before he
became minister president of Prussia. He was against the liberal nationalists of
1848/1849 but, during the 1850s, became a firm supporter of Kleindeutschland and the
reduction of Austrian influence in the German states. This question provides an
opportunity to explore the historiography of Bismarcks aims did he want unification
or did he seize any opportunity to strengthen the position of Prussia? It would even be
valid to make the point that the federal constitution ensured Prussian dominance.
Imperial Russia, revolutions, emergence of Soviet State 18531924
10. Compare and contrast the role of the Soviets in the February and October
revolutions of 1917 in Russia.

IB HL History
Christopher Wong

Comparison: In both cases the Soviets were the elected representatives of

workers and soldiers, especially in Petrograd. In both cases the support of the Soviets
was important in establishing change in Russia. The Provisional Government could not
have been established or functioned without the support of the Petrograd Soviet.
Bolshevik control of the Petrograd and Moscow Soviets encouraged Lenin to attempt to
seize power. In October the Second All Russian Congress of Soviets approved the
Bolshevik seizure of power. At both times the Soviet was the forum for expressing the
grievances of soldiers and workers.
Contrast: In February the Soviets were the leaders of opposition to the Tsar and were to
some extent instrumental in the collapse of the regime. In October the Soviets did not
lead revolutionary change, but approved the Bolshevik actions after the event. They
supported the Bolshevik policy of seeking peace, whereas in February the demand was
not yet for peace but defending the revolution. In February the Petrograd Soviet, which
was dominated by Mensheviks and Social Revolutionaries, was willing to co-operate
with the Provisional Government to some extent because they believed that Russia was
not yet ready for extreme revolution. In October the Petrograd Soviet was dominated by
the Bolsheviks, with Trotsky as chairman.
European diplomacy and the First World War 18701923
11. To what extent were the policies of Germany responsible for the outbreak of
war in 1914?
German policies: In the longer term, Wilhelm IIs policies of Weltpolitik, his
colonial ambition, caused tensions with both Britain and France (Boer War, Morocco,
etc). Naval expansion led to more tensions with Britain, contributing to the signing of
the Entente Cordiale. Wilhelms failure to renew the Reinsurance Treaty led to the
Franco-Russian Alliance which was later extended to the Triple Entente.
In the shorter term, Germanys military strategy (Schlieffen Plan) was likely to lead to
British involvement in any Franco-German conflict. Wilhelms so called blank cheque
also encouraged Austria to take a hard line with Serbia in the crisis of 1914.
Candidates should also consider the role of Austria. Austrian ambitions in the Balkans
had led to tensions with Russia since the 1870s. The annexation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina in 1908 increased tensions between Austria and Serbia and with Russia.
The Austrian response to the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, and the harshness of
the ultimatum issued to Serbia, increased the likelihood of conflict in the Balkans and
the bringing into play of the alliance systems.
Answers may also want to consider the actions of the other powers, both in the longer
term and as a response to the July Crisis, before reaching a judgment. However the
policies of Germany should be the main focus.
12. Assess the successes and failures of the Paris Peace Settlement at the end
of the First World War.
The key terms of the settlements (not just Versailles) should be well known. Credit
accurate detailed knowledge which supports analysis. However the focus should be on
the successes and failures in relation to the aims of the peacemakers and the
achievements of the Settlement as a whole.
Aims varied, but a broad aim was to stabilize Europe, to prevent the spread of
Communism and to try to restore economic activity. More specific differences could
include Clemenceaus aim to weaken and punish Germany, Lloyd Georges aim to
restore trade, etc and Wilsons aim to make a peace that was fair and lasting based on

IB HL History
Christopher Wong

the Fourteen Points. In the Middle East the aims of Britain and France were somewhat
different from the other peacemakers and could be criticized as being neo-colonial. Italy
sought to gain territories (from the collapse of AustriaHungary) as promised in the
Treaty of London.
Successes could include: Actually reaching terms relatively quickly (the Treaty of
Versailles was signed six months after the conference began. The other treaties (Saint
Germain, Neuilly, Trianon and Svres) were all signed by 1920. The Treaties established
a forum for the resolution of disputes (the League of Nations). The Treaties met the
demands for national self determination of many groups (Poland, Czechoslovakia, etc).
The left wing threat at the end of the war rapidly diminished as Europe stabilized.
Failures: The Treaties left several key nations dissatisfied Germany, Hungary, Italy and
Turkey were all revisionist powers. The reparations issue remained a hindrance to reestablishing international trade. The Treaty of Svres had to be revised fairly soon
(1923). A number of vulnerable Central European states were established.
Key nations: Germany, Russia and the USA were not committed to maintaining the
Settlement as they were not initially members of the League.
There is much material which could be considered and a great deal of historiography.
Answers which take the line the settlements were unsuccessful because they did not
prevent another war are unlikely to gain many marks.
War and change in the Middle East 19141949
13. How successful was the mandate system in the Middle East?
Refer to specific examples to support your answer (excluding Palestine).
Examples could include British control of Iraq and Transjordan, and French rule in
Syria and Lebanon. Reasons why there were difficulties could include: contradictory
promises made during the war about Arab independence it seemed that Arab
nationalist goals were only granted in a rather ad hoc manner (Ibn Saud gained power
in the Hejaz and eventually established Saudi Arabia); resentment that Ottoman rule
had been replaced by Western rule for reasons of imperial prestige; fear that the
mandatory powers were keen to exploit their mandates economically (Iraqi oil for
example). However candidates could argue that in both Iraq and Transjordan Britain
did to some extent fulfill its mandatory role and oversee a gradual and relatively
peaceful transition to independence Iraq became independent under Feisal in 1932,
although British access to Iraqi oil was safeguarded, and Jordan became independent
under Abdullah in 1946. The French were much more reluctant to relinquish control in
either Lebanon (1943) or Syria (1946). French rule had also been much more colonial in
nature, with administrators from French colonies elsewhere setting up a structure
which was designed to reduce nationalist aspirations.
14. Examine the reasons for changing British policy in Palestine in the years
19171939.
The various policies from the Balfour Declaration through to the results of Hope
Simpson and the Peel Commissions and the White Papers up to 1939 should be known.
Reserve higher levels for answers which focus closely on the reasons for changing
British policies, placing them both in the context of governing the mandate (eg in the
1920s the Jewish population helped establish an institutional structure in the mandate)
and the wider international context. Concern for Muslim opinion in neighbouring
countries and within the Empire had an impact on British policy. There was also
pressure internationally which tended to support Jewish immigration to Palestine,

IB HL History
Christopher Wong

especially in the 1930s, which led to contradictions. The 1939 White Paper can be seen
as the direct result of a looming war, fear that Arab states would support the Axis, fear
for oil supplies, etc.
Interwar years: conflict and cooperation 19191939
15. Compare and contrast the economic and political problems facing Germany
in the years 19191923 and 19291933.
Comparisons: Political problems, including threats from extremist parties in the
early years, Spartacus Week, the Kapp Putsch and the Munich Putsch. In the 1930s,
growing support for anti-republican parties such as the Nazis and KPD. Coalition
governments which had to rely on Article 48 (emergency powers to govern). Anger at
the Treaty of Versailles led to criticism of republican governments, who were often
referred to as the November Criminals. Political violence made the governments look
weak eg Rathenaus assassination in 1922; frequent clashes between the various
paramilitary groups in the 1930s.
Economic problems, including government budget deficit because of high welfare
spending (Ruhr Crisis in 1923 and mass unemployment from 1930 onwards).
Reparations were seen as an economic problem in the early period they seemed to be
hampering economic recovery from the war and, in 1929, the need to continue making
payments exacerbated the budget crisis.
Contrasts: In the years 19291933 what appeared to be similar problems were actually
on a much greater scale. Politically, there was a much greater use of non-democratic
methods of government (Article 48 used by Bruning 109 times). By 1932 anti-republican
parties were in the majority in the Reichstag (230 Nazis, 89 KPD). In the early period
international action probably would have helped the republic survive. In the early 1930s
Britain and France were too preoccupied with internal problems to be involved.
Politically in the early period President Ebert used his powers to protect the republic; in
the 1930s, Hindenburg used his powers to protect Germany from the left wing threat.
Economically, the Depression and its consequences was causing unemployment on a
massive scale (6 to 8 million people were out of work by 1932). There was a crisis in the
banking system, with German banks collapsing. By 1932 reparations had been
suspended by the Hoover Moratorium.
The Soviet Union and Eastern Europe 19242000
17. To what extent is it possible to argue that Stalins political, economic and
social policies transformed the Soviet Union?
A definition of transformed might be a good starting point here in other words, was
there extreme change in the Soviet Union as a consequence of Stalins policies? The
major policies of the Stalinist period will be well known, and detailed knowledge of key
policies should be reasonably rewarded. Political policies could include: strengthening
of his personal power by strengthening his control of the party and pursuing the cult of
personality; destroying potential opposition using the NKVD, purges and Gulags;
increasing the dominance of the state into all aspects of daily life (work, leisure,
education, etc). It could be argued that Stalin was the Red Tsar and the party
members position was not dissimilar to that of the nobility thus little change in the
political structure of the Soviet Union Economic policies: The Five Year Plans and
Collectivization can be considered both from the perspective of changing the basis of
economic activity in the Soviet Union and also how their implementation increased
state control. The Five Year Plans transformed the Soviet Union into an expanding

IB HL History
Christopher Wong

industrial power. Social policies: In some areas there was a more egalitarian system
(greater access to health care, education, housing) for some of the population,
especially in urban areas. However these benefits were only available if one conformed.
18. Examine the extent of Soviet dominance in the years 19451991 in one
European satellite state (excluding Germany) you have studied.
Examples could include: Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Romania (the
Baltic States are not legitimate examples). Answers should be supported with specific
detail and could include material on economic links to the Soviet Union Comecon etc,
political interference and control especially in the immediate post-war period. Military
links: the presence/use of Soviet troops to maintain control. Answers may point out that
the level of control was variable (possibly because of different phases of the Cold War or
the views of Soviet leaders) and by the mid 1980s was beginning to decline.
The Second World War and post-war Western Europe 19392000
19. What were the main problems facing post-war Western Europe, and to what
extent were they overcome by 1949?
The main problems could be identified as political, economic and social. They
could include the need: to revert to a peacetime economy; to deal with food shortages;
to rebuild infrastructure damaged in the war. In the case of occupied countries, the
main problems could include the need: to establish stable government; to provide
employment for returning soldiers; and to deal with the issue of displaced persons. The
threat of Communist expansion could also be identified as a problem but should not be
the sole focus.
Candidates will no doubt discuss the European Recovery Program or Marshall Aid and
how it assisted recovery in the short term. Relatively stable governments were
established in West Germany, France and the other previously occupied states of
Western Europe and from this a general economic recovery occurred, eg German and
Italian industrial production was double that of 1937, while Britain and France had
improved production by 50 %.
Answers may well argue that the changes in the immediate post-war period were
merely the starting point to the full recovery that occurred in the 1950s. Points should
be supported with specific evidence.