The USA and USSR contributed to increased tensions in Europe after 1945.

Mark scheme

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

1. [1] Communists took over key government positions.
2. [1] Political opponents were arrested.
3. [1] Non-communist members of the government resigned in February.
4. [1] Communists took over their positions.
5. [1] President Benes cooperated with Stalin.
6. [1] Benes handed his cabinet over to the Communist party.
7. [1] Rigged elections were held in May to validate the Communist takeover.
8. [1] Benes resigned.
9. [6] Level 4 Explains TWO reasons
10. [5] Level 3 Explains ONE reason (e.g. The Blockade was lifted because Stalin failed to cut off West Berlin from the rest of Western Germany. In response to the Blockade the Allies began to airlift supplies into West Berlin. By April 1949 this had reached 8000 tons a day and it became clear that the Blockade had failed.)
11. [1] It was not working as the Allies airlifted supplies to West Berlin.
12. [1] Stalin had failed to cut off West Berlin.
13. [1] Stalin realised the Blockade would fail.
14. [1] The Western allies would not give up Berlin.
15. [1] West Berliners supported the Allies.
16. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far' (As Level 4 plus evaluation.)
17. [9] Level 4 Explanation of both sides
18. [6] Level 3 One-sided explanation OR one explanation of both sides (More detailed explanation of one issue to be given two marks.)
19. [3] Truman could be to blame for the Cold War. He interpreted the Soviet takeover of Eastern Europe as the start of spreading communism around the world and responded with the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Aid. This was designed to help the vulnerable European economy suffering from the effects of the war. However, the USSR saw this as a threat, and this led to an increase in tensions.
20. [3] Stalin could be to blame. He wanted to create a buffer zone between the USSR and the West and so made sure the governments in countries such as Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary were communist. He failed to hold democratic elections in Poland as was agreed at Yalta. Although Stalin saw his actions as defensive, they appeared aggressive to the West and a deliberate attempt to spread communism throughout Europe.
21. [3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes (One mark for each point)
22. [1] Truman used the atom bomb to gain the upper hand at Potsdam.
23. [1] Truman was strongly against communism.
24. [1] Truman introduced the Truman Doctrine.
25. [1] The USA introduced the Marshall Plan.
26. [1] Stalin wanted to spread communism.
27. [1] The Berlin Blockade created considerable tension.
28. [1] Stalin did not keep to the promises made in the wartime conferences.