Study Source H.

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 Explains purpose in context of how Leopold ran the Congo or of the international outcry of the time. Must have a valid message – can be a sub-message. Must have intended impact on audience.
2. [6-7] Level 5 Explains the purpose of the illustration (must have impact on audience in the answer) – e.g., to try to persuade governments/organisations to act against Leopold.
3. [5] Level 4 Explains the big message – the Africans were not free but were mistreated by Leopold on his rubber plantations.
4. [3-4] Level 3 Explains context of how Leopold ran the Congo or international outcry in early 1900s as a reason for publication. Does not explain message or purpose of the source OR explains a valid sub-message e.g., Africans worked on the rubber plantations, Africans were treated badly by Leopold, Africans were afraid of Leopold.
5. [2] Level 2 Interprets the source or describes the context – but not used as a reason for publication OR explains general context as a reason for publication.
6. [1] Level 1 Surface description of the source no inferences/interpretations OR misinterprets the source.
7. [0] Level 0 No evidence submitted or response does not address the question.
8. [1] Source H is a cartoon titled 'IN THE RUBBER COILS. SCENE – The Congo "Free" State.' It shows an African man being crushed by a giant snake, with the head of King Leopold II of Belgium.
9. [1] It was published in a British magazine in 1906.
10. [1] The cartoon aims to expose and condemn the brutal exploitation and atrocities committed in the Congo Free State under King Leopold II.
11. [1] By 1906, international outrage over the atrocities, particularly the forced labour and mutilations associated with rubber production, had grown significantly.
12. [1] Organizations like the Congo Reform Association (CRA) were active in publicizing these abuses, influencing public opinion in Britain and elsewhere.
13. [1] The image of the African man trapped by rubber coils, with Leopold's head on the snake, graphically symbolizes the oppressive grip of Leopold's regime and the suffering caused by the rubber trade.
14. [1] The purpose was to shock and persuade the British public and government to take action against Leopold II and advocate for reforms in the Congo.
15. [1] The use of a cartoon makes the message accessible and impactful, appealing to emotions.
16. [1] It highlights the hypocrisy of the 'Free State' as Africans were not free.