Military and political issues weakened the German war effort in 1918.

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] The French and Americans launched a counterattack against German forces.
3. [1] Creeping barrages were used to protect infantry troops who were advancing.
4. [1] The Allies had superiority in shells and tanks.
5. [1] The Allies launched surprise attacks.
6. [1] The Allies made good use of reconnaissance.
7. [1] They launched a combined attack – by air, with tanks, artillery and infantry.
8. [6] Level 4 Explains TWO reasons
9. [4-5] Level 3 Explains ONE reason
10. [4] In 1915, the liner Lusitania had been sunk by a German U-boat. There were American casualties and the USA warned Germany which stopped unrestricted submarine warfare. One reason for the US joining the war in 1917 was that Germany resumed their practice of unrestricted submarine warfare. This policy caused huge losses and was influential in winning US support for joining the war.
11. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes reasons
12. [1] The sinking of the Lusitania was a warning for Germany.
13. [1] Many Americans lost their lives.
14. [1] US public opinion had turned against Germany.
15. [1] The use of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany in 1917.
16. [1] The publication of the Zimmermann Telegram.
17. [1] The Zimmermann Telegram offered US territory to Mexico if they joined Germany in the war.
18. [1] The US considered Germany at odds with the American belief in democracy.
19. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
20. [1] The Americans joined to help defeat Germany.
21. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far'
22. [7-9] Level 4 Explanation of both sides
23. [4-6] Level 3 One-sided explanation OR one explanation of both sides 5 to 6 marks
24. [4] The entry of the US into the war was important because it meant that Germany would likely be defeated. To start with, the US supported her allies with ships which would help to tackle the threat of submarines. This made it less likely that Germany would be able to starve her opponents into submission. The arrival of US troops on the Western Front came at a bad time for Germany.
25. [4] The threat of revolution made Germany sign the armistice. This situation was desperate. In October sailors revolted at naval bases and there were riots across the country. The German people were starving and many were dying of 'flu. This led to the Kaiser abdicating and a republic being announced. The new German government signed the armistice.
26. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes
27. [1] The US recruited almost 5 million troops.
28. [1] The US supported shipping to ensure supplies got through to the Allies.
29. [1] The US support improved the morale of the Allies.
30. [1] The US helped the Allies to turn back the Spring Offensive of 1918.
31. [1] The US helped force the Germans into retreat.
32. [1] There were mutinies at Kiel and Wilhelmshaven.
33. [1] The Kaiser abdicated.
34. [1] Many Germans faced starvation.
35. [1] There were riots in the cities.
36. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
37. [1] Both of these things made things worse for Germany, so it was hard for them to win the war.