Study Sources F and G.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [8] Level 6 Compares the sources and evaluates both to explain whether G is surprising. Evaluation could be by considering purpose or by using contextual knowledge or cross reference.
2. [7] Level 5 Compares the sources and evaluates one to explain whether G is surprising. Evaluation could be by considering purpose or by using contextual knowledge or cross reference.
3. [5-6] Level 4 Only uses G and uses contextual knowledge/cross reference to explain whether it is surprising or not.
4. [3-4] Level 3 Compares the sources and uses disagreement to explain that G is surprising.
5. [2] Level 2 Answers based on undeveloped provenance OR analyses the sources appropriately but fails to state whether Source G is surprising OR identifies what is surprising/not surprising about G but no explanation.
6. [1] Level 1 Writes about the sources but fails to get to grips with the question.
7. [0] Level 0 No evidence submitted or response does not address the question.
8. [1] Source F is from the agreements reached at the Berlin Conference (1884–85). It states that the Powers bind themselves to 'watch over the preservation of the native tribes', 'care for the improvement of their moral and material well-being', and 'help in suppressing slavery'. It also guarantees 'Freedom of conscience and religious toleration'.
9. [1] Source G is a report of evidence given to the Commission of Inquiry in 1904 into atrocities in the Congo Free State, specifically Mr Harris' Testimony. It details 'atrocities including murders', 'destruction of Baringa towns and famine', 'public floggings', and people 'reduced to digging up rubber roots'. It also mentions 'Huge taxes...levied on the food of the people' and 'murder and cannibalism' by ABIR sentries.
10. [1] Source F's lofty aims of protection and improvement make Source G's descriptions of atrocities in the Congo Free State highly surprising.
11. [1] The agreements in F contrast sharply with the brutal realities described in G, particularly the forced labour and violence related to rubber extraction.
12. [1] Source F's promises of 'suppressing slavery' and 'improving conditions' are contradicted by the quasi-slavery and suffering in G.
13. [1] However, it might not be entirely surprising given that the Berlin Conference (F) was more about partitioning Africa peacefully among European powers than genuinely protecting natives, and its resolutions were often not enforced.
14. [1] Source F is a formal diplomatic agreement, often aspirational, while Source G is testimony from a commission investigating abuses, revealing the actual practices on the ground.
15. [1] Knowledge of the Congo Free State's history, run by Leopold II, confirms the widespread atrocities and exploitation, making Source G's content historically accurate and the gap with Source F understandable.