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. [7-8] Level 6 Explains why not surprised by Chamberlain's purpose – to find an excuse for doing nothing.
2. [6] Level 5 Uses contextual knowledge/cross reference to explain not surprised by the fact that Chamberlain is not going to do anything.
3. [4-5] Level 4 Uses contextual knowledge/cross reference to explain why surprised Chamberlain has not done anything e.g., the Treaty of Versailles OR uses contextual knowledge/cross reference to explain why surprised that Chamberlain is claiming he has stood up to Germany.
4. [3] Level 3 Answers that give reasons based on everyday empathy (or general reasons) e.g., not surprised by Chamberlain as he was dealing was a very difficult situation.
5. [2] Level 2 Identifies what in the source is surprising but no explanation OR analyses the source relevantly but fails to state whether surprised or not.
6. [1] Level 1 Writes about the source 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 H is a speech by the British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, in a debate in the British Parliament on 14 March 1938.
9. [1] Chamberlain states that Britain 'made protests to the German Government over their actions' but that 'Nothing could have stopped this action by Germany unless we and others had been prepared to use force to prevent it'.
10. [1] He also says Britain had 'never refused to recognise the special interest that Germany had in the development of its relations with Austria'.
11. [1] Not surprised: Chamberlain's policy of appeasement is well-known.
12. [1] His statement reflects his consistent approach to avoid war by making concessions and accepting German actions short of direct military confrontation.
13. [1] He is effectively justifying Britain's inaction, stating that only force could have stopped Germany, which Britain was unwilling to use.
14. [1] Surprised: Some might be surprised by the apparent weakness or resignation in his statement, especially regarding a major territorial change in Europe.
15. [1] It might be surprising that a Prime Minister would so openly state that Britain was unwilling to use force, effectively giving Germany a green light for future aggressions.
16. [1] Given the Treaty of Versailles and the principle of self-determination, it might be surprising to hear him acknowledge Germany's 'special interest' in Austria, seeming to legitimize the Anschluss.