Tension between Iraq and Kuwait led to war in 1990.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1-4] 'The operation began in January 1991.'
2. [1-4] 'There were air attacks on Iraqi military targets.'
3. [1-4] 'Coalition forces attacked Iraqi targets.'
4. [1-4] 'A ground war was launched in February 1991.'
5. [1-4] 'Coalition forces invaded Iraq and Kuwait.'
6. [1-4] 'The US army destroyed Iraqi tanks south of Basra.'
7. [2-3] 'There were many Iraqi civilian deaths.'
8. [2-3] 'There were shortages of food and medical supplies.'
9. [2-3] 'There were inadequate supplies of clean drinking water.'
10. [2-3] 'Coalition air attacks destroyed much infrastructure.'
11. [2-3] 'Economic sanctions meant a lack of supplies.'
12. [2-3] 'Sanctions meant Iraq could not sell its oil abroad and earn revenue.'
13. [2-3] 'Hussein immediately crushed revolts by the Kurds and Shiites.'
14. [4-5] 'The civilian population suffered because much of Iraq's economic infrastructure was destroyed by the Coalition air attacks. Targets had included power stations, oil refineries, roads, bridges and water purification plants. This resulted in poor transport, unclean water and a lack of electricity, all of which had a negative effect on civilians.'
15. [6] Level 4 Explains TWO reasons (e.g., destruction of infrastructure and economic sanctions).
16. [2-3] 'Saddam wanted Kuwait's oil wells.'
17. [2-3] 'Saddam needed to improve the Iraqi economy.'
18. [2-3] 'Saddam blamed Kuwait for over-production of oil to undermine the Iraqi economy with falling oil prices.'
19. [2-3] 'Saddam claimed Kuwait was part of Iraq.'
20. [2-3] 'Saddam was angry with Kuwait for demanding the repayment of a loan to Iraq.'
21. [2-3] 'The Gulf War was an opportunity for Saddam to show he was the most powerful Arab leader in the Middle East.'
22. [4-6] 'Saddam needed to divert attention away from the economic problems facing Iraq which he was considered to have caused. After the war with Iran, the Iraq economy was in tatters. There was no post-war economic recovery. Kuwait had valuable oil wells that could be taken over and increase the wealth of Iraq.'
23. [4-6] 'Saddam claimed that Kuwait was historically part of Iraq, although Britain recognised the full independence of Kuwait in the 1960s. Saddam was angry that Kuwait was demanding the repayment of a $14 billion loan of money lent during the war with Iran. Many Iraqis thought the Kuwaitis ungrateful after being protected from the threat of Iranian expansion.'
24. [7-9] Level 4 Explanation of both sides (A L4 answer will have a minimum of three explanations (2 on one side; 1 on the other). Fuller explanation of one issue to be given two marks. An answer which only has one explanation on one side of the argument cannot be awarded more than 8.)
25. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far' (As Level 4 plus evaluation.)