Relationships between European powers were important in the build-up to the First World War.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1-4] e.g. 'The Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy.'
2. [1-4] 'It was a secret agreement.'
3. [1-4] 'It was formed in May 1882.'
4. [1-4] 'Germany and Austria-Hungary agreed to assist Italy if it were to be attacked by France.'
5. [1-4] 'Italy would assist Germany if Germany were to be attacked by France.'
6. [1-4] 'If war broke out between Austria-Hungary and Russia, Italy promised to remain neutral.'
7. [2-3] 'Serbia became twice as large because of the wars, making Austria relatively weaker.'
8. [2-3] 'Serbia was a great threat to Austria as it was seen as a tool of Russia.'
9. [2-3] 'Russia was keen to support Serbia in future conflicts.'
10. [2-3] 'The Germans had restrained Austria, but realised that, if there was another crisis, they would support Austrian action.'
11. [2-3] 'It involved both powers in rival alliances.'
12. [4-5] e.g. 'In the Balkan War of 1912, Serbia gained significant territory from the defeated Turks. In 1913, the Bulgarians attacked fellow members of the Balkan League, but lost. Again, Serbia gained even more land. It had doubled in size in two years. A ‘big Serbia' now presented a considerable threat to Austria-Hungary. Russia promised to support Serbia in its nationalist struggle and supported the Balkan League.'
13. [2-3] 'Events such as the Moroccan Crises fuelled suspicion.'
14. [2-3] 'Wilhelm II wanted a 'place in the sun'.'
15. [2-3] 'Britain and Germany were building bigger and more powerful ships.'
16. [2-3] 'Britain built Dreadnoughts.'
17. [2-3] 'Europe was divided into two rival alliances.'
18. [2-3] 'The Kaiser seemed war-like.'
19. [4-6] e.g. 'The British were afraid that Germany wanted an empire and would use its strength to acquire colonies. This had happened in Morocco where the Kaiser had challenged French control. Britain was concerned that Germany's empire would be serviced by a rapidly increasing military fleet, which would be based largely in the North Sea.'
20. [4-6] OR e.g. 'Britain felt Germany was threatening its economic superiority and her naval power by building up Germany's naval strength. Britain, therefore, started a programme of Dreadnought building to combat Germany's High Seas Fleet. This was a greater threat because the German Fleet was close to Britain. Traditionally, Germany had a strong army and Britain had a strong navy. Now that balance seemed to be under threat.'