Question 2 (c) 'The main reason for the growth of opposition to Soviet control in Hungary in 1956 was the economic situation.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme. The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Target: A01 (recall, select and deploy historical knowledge) and A02 (explain, analyse and make reasoned judgements).
2. Level 1 (1-3 marks): Simple statements about opposition in Hungary or the economic situation. Limited range of knowledge. For example, states that people were poor.
3. Level 2 (4-7 marks): Describes some reasons for opposition in Hungary, which may include the economic situation. Some explanation, but lacks balance or detailed analysis of 'main reason'. For example, describes poor living standards and mentions the influence of destalinisation.
4. Level 3 (8-12 marks): Explains a range of reasons for opposition in Hungary, addressing the role of the economic situation. Provides some analysis of whether it was the 'main reason' by considering other factors, but the argument may lack depth or sustained evaluation. For example, explains how low wages and shortages contributed to unrest but also discusses the desire for greater freedom.
5. Level 4 (13-16 marks): Sustained analysis and evaluation of the statement, providing a well-structured argument considering the economic situation in comparison to other factors leading to opposition in Hungary. Reaches a clear, reasoned judgement about the extent of agreement with the statement. Demonstrates detailed and accurate historical knowledge. For example, argues that while economic hardship was a significant catalyst, other factors such as the impact of destalinisation, calls for political freedom, nationalism, and the influence of Nagy's reforms were equally or more important, leading to a nuanced conclusion.
6. Indicative content:
7. - **Agree (Economic situation as main reason):**
8. - Low wages, poor living standards, lack of consumer goods.
9. - Forced industrialisation at the expense of agriculture and consumer goods.
10. - Resentment over Soviet exploitation of Hungarian resources (e.g., uranium mines).
11. - Collectivisation policies causing hardship for peasants.
12. - General poverty and hardship contrasted with official propaganda.
13. - **Disagree (Other factors):**
14. - **Destalinisation/Khrushchev's Secret Speech:** Led to hopes of reform and greater freedom across Eastern Europe, emboldening dissidents.
15. - **Political freedom/Nationalism:** Desire for an independent, non-communist government; resentment of Soviet domination and Rakosi's oppressive regime.
16. - **Role of Imre Nagy:** His reformist leadership and demands for withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact intensified the crisis.
17. - **Influence of Radio Free Europe:** Broadcasts encouraged dissent and provided information.
18. - **Intellectual and student protests:** Dissatisfaction amongst students and intellectuals who desired greater freedom of speech and expression.
19. - **Religious suppression:** Resentment over the suppression of the Catholic Church and other religious institutions.