War played a part in German unification.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1-4] Level 1 One mark for each relevant point; additional mark for supporting detail
2. Crushing defeat of France
3. Annexation of Alsace and half of Lorraine including Metz.
4. France had to pay an indemnity to Germany.
5. German troops occupied northern parts of France until the money was paid.
6. William I of Prussia was declared German Emperor at Versailles, January 1871.
7. [6] Level 4 Explains TWO reasons
8. [4-5] Level 3 Explains ONE reason
9. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes reasons
10. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
11. e.g. 'The Ems telegram was important because it was used by Bismarck to provoke France into being hostile and this gave him an excuse for war. The telegram was a report of a meeting between King William I of Prussia and the French ambassador which was sent to Bismarck. He published the telegram, missing out key details, to offend the French government. In turn, this led to the Franco-Prussian War.'
12. e.g. 'The Ems telegram was a report of a meeting between King William I of Prussia and the French ambassador.'
13. 'The telegram was sent from Ems (in Prussia) on July 13, 1870, to Bismarck.'
14. 'It was published by Bismarck who altered it.'
15. 'This offended the French government.'
16. 'Ultimately, it led to the Franco-Prussian War.'
17. e.g. 'It contained an important message.'
18. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far'
19. [7-9] Level 4 Explanation of both sides
20. [4-6] Level 3 One-sided explanation OR one explanation of both sides 5-6 marks
21. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes
22. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
23. e.g. 'Bismarck used diplomacy to achieve his aims. When Schleswig-Holstein was handed over to be ruled jointly by Austria and Prussia, they could not agree, and the territories were split. Some think Bismarck deliberately agreed so that it would be easier to pick a quarrel with Austria. Bismarck also managed to get a promise of French neutrality and relied on British and Russian neutrality. With this control, he picked a war with Austria.'
24. OR e.g. 'Bismarck used war to ensure he achieved his aims. As a follower of Clausewitz, he saw war as political tool to help him achieve his goals, as can be seen in the Unification Wars of 1864-71. There had also been considerable investment in the Prussian economy to produce the weapons of war. Moltke and his generals had produced a well-equipped and trained army which was superior to Austria's. This shows that Bismarck could use force when he wanted to as he had a very strong army at his disposal.'
25. e.g. 'Bismarck showed diplomatic skill over the Schleswig-Holstein question.'
26. 'He used Italy as an ally.'
27. 'He persuaded countries to remain neutral.'
28. 'The Prussian economy built a war machine.'
29. 'The Prussian army was superior to Austria's.'