Many countries contributed to the increase of tension in Europe before 1914.

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. The Kaiser visited Morocco.
3. Kaiser William visited Tangier.
4. He said he was there to support the Sultan.
5. He called for an international conference to discuss the future of Morocco.
6. His idea was to prevent France from occupying Morocco.
7. He wanted to test the Entente Cordiale.
8. A conference was held at Algeciras in 1906.
9. It was agreed that France should recognise that Morocco was still an independent country.
10. The Kaiser was humiliated.
11. Only Austria-Hungary supported Germany.
12. [6] Level 4 Explains TWO reasons
13. [4-5] Level 3 Explains ONE reason
14. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes reasons
15. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
16. e.g. 'Britain joined the Entente Cordiale with France because it was concerned about German militarism. Britain was concerned about the effect this would have on peace in Europe. Any political instability in Europe would also affect British trade.'
17. e.g. 'It was between Britain and France.'
18. 'Britain and France cooperated against an increasing threat from Germany.'
19. 'Britain was concerned about the growing strength of the German military.'
20. 'Britain wanted to protect trade.'
21. 'France wanted to regain Alsace and Lorraine.'
22. 'France hoped the Entente Cordiale would make Britain take a more active role in preserving European peace.'
23. 'It settled the colonial interests of France and Britain'
24. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far'
25. [7-9] Level 4 Explanation of both sides
26. [4-6] Level 3 One-sided explanation OR one explanation of both sides 5-6 marks
27. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes
28. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
29. e.g. 'Austria was to blame. When Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, Austria was angry and blamed the Serbs. Austria was determined to make Serbia pay and issued an ultimatum. Even though they replied, Austria invaded Serbia having been given a guarantee of German support. Because of this, Russia mobilised its forces and Germany declared war on Russia.'
30. OR e.g. 'Germany was to blame for the outbreak of war because, in August 1914, Germany invaded Belgium using the Schlieffen Plan which was their plan for war. With over one million men, Germany marched into Belgium violating the neutrality of Belgium. This triggered Britain's declaration of war as it promised to protect Belgium's neutrality. Therefore, the German invasion was to blame.'
31. OR e.g. 'Serbia was angry that Austria-Hungary had annexed Bosnia in 1908, but by 1913, after the Balkan Wars, Serbia emerged as the strongest power in the Balkans. Serbia wanted to unite with the Serbs and Slavic people living in the Austrian Empire, including Bosnia. This brought conflict with Austria.'
32. e.g. 'Germany increased its navy.'
33. 'Germany invaded Belgium.'
34. 'The Kaiser seemed war-like.'
35. 'Germany had the Schlieffen Plan.'
36. 'Serbia wanted to join all Serbs into a Greater Serbia.'
37. 'Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated.'
38. 'Austria's actions triggered the Alliance System.'
39. 'Russia mobilised its forces.'