It was difficult to break the stalemate on the Western Front.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). 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. [1] Trenches were dug into the ground.
3. [1] There were dugouts for resting.
4. [1] There was a parapet facing the enemy.
5. [1] There was a fire-step to stand on when firing at the opposition.
6. [1] Sandbags were used to stop the trenches collapsing.
7. [1] Barbed wire protected the trench.
8. [1] The bottom of the trench was often wet and duckboards were used to stop the soldiers getting wet feet.
9. [6] Level 4 Explains TWO reasons
10. [4-5] Level 3 Explains ONE reason
11. [4] The attack was launched on the Somme in July 1916 because the German attack at Verdun had stretched the French. If the British attacked on the Somme, Germany would have to redeploy some troops from Verdun to the Somme. This would help to take pressure off the French lines.
12. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND / OR describes reasons
13. [1] To relieve the French troops at Verdun.
14. [1] To weaken German morale.
15. [1] To achieve a decisive breakthrough on the Western Front.
16. [1] To weaken the German army.
17. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
18. [1] It was an attempt to win the war.
19. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far'
20. [7-9] Level 4 Explanation of both sides
21. [4-6] Level 3 One-sided explanation OR one explanation of both sides 5 to 6 marks
22. [4] It was difficult to advance on the Western Front as the attack on the Somme showed. The enemy was often dug in well and this meant huge numbers of troops were killed as they left their trenches and tried to advance across No Man's Land. This meant that there was little progress made on the Western Front.
23. [4] Towards the end of the war it became possible to make more effective attacks. Tanks could be used to protect troops and this made it easier for armies to advance. In the Ludendorff Offensive the German army advanced over 35 miles in the first three weeks. However, once land was taken it had to be defended and this caused problems for the German army.
24. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes
25. [1] The initial German offensive on the Western Front nearly succeeded.
26. [1] The war did not take place on German territory.
27. [1] It was difficult to attack as enemy trenches were well defended.
28. [1] The machine gun was an excellent defensive weapon.
29. [1] Heavy shelling failed to destroy enemy defences.
30. [1] The Hindenburg Line was a strong line of defence because it had been well constructed.
31. [1] The first tanks broke down frequently and got stuck in the mud.
32. [1] Later in the war, tanks were more reliable and protected troops.
33. [1] The US forces bolstered the Allies' attacks.
34. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
35. [1] It was difficult to break through in trench warfare.