The formation of Israel created great tension.

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 Jewish Agency liked the fact that the Jews would have a homeland.
3. They were angry that they would not have control of Jerusalem.
4. They were pleased that British influence would be removed.
5. They were unhappy that the land to be given to them was in three separate sections.
6. Jews were unhappy that they would be in a minority in one of the areas.
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 Arabs believed that a Palestinian homeland would be formed because they knew that the British Foreign Secretary was against the idea of forming a Jewish state in the region. At the same time, they understood that Britain could no longer afford to maintain an empire but would want to keep their access to the oil in the region. They thought these factors would encourage the British to work hard to keep Arab support in the region.'
12. e.g. 'The British needed access to the oil in the region.'
13. 'The Arab League was formed in 1945.'
14. 'The British Foreign Secretary did not want partition or a Jewish state.'
15. 'The white paper of 1939 suggested the Palestinians would have sole control over the region.'
16. 'Many Arab states supported the idea of a Palestinian homeland.'
17. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far'
18. [7-9] Level 4 Explanation of both sides
19. [4-6] Level 3 One-sided explanation OR one explanation of both sides 5-6 marks
20. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes
21. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
22. e.g. 'The Arabs lost the war because they were badly organised. They had some international support, but their leaders were not united in their aims and each tended to fight for their own interests. Their efforts in the war were not co-ordinated and both the Egyptian and Syrian governments were very suspicious of King Abdullah of Transjordan's aims.'
23. OR e.g. 'The Arabs lost the war because they underestimated their opponents. Since the First World War there had been strong Jewish groups demanding a separate state for Jews. In the war of 1948-49 the Jews were fighting to keep this dream alive. They were determined to win.'
24. e.g. 'The Arabs were badly organised.'
25. 'The Israelis were supported by the US and Soviet governments.'
26. 'The Arab countries were too confident to co-ordinate their efforts.'
27. 'The Israeli defence force had no planes.'
28. 'The Jews could not afford to lose.'
29. 'Israeli morale was boosted by support from the United States.'
30. 'The Israelis were well organised and well led.'