Germany faced difficulties at home and on the battlefield 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] 'There was a mutiny by sailors.'
2. [1-4] 'The mutiny was a reaction to the plan of Admiral Scheer.'
3. [1-4] 'The plan was for a large naval assault on Britain's High Seas Fleet.'
4. [1-4] 'It was considered a suicide mission by most sailors.'
5. [1-4] 'Many sailors refused to sail because armistice talks were underway.'
6. [1-4] 'Some sailors refused to return from leave.'
7. [1-4] 'Several hundred sailors were arrested for mutiny.'
8. [1-4] 'Soldiers' Councils were set up including industrial workers from Kiel.'
9. [1-4] 'The mutiny was the catalyst for open revolution throughout Germany.'
10. [2-3] 'The use of unrestricted submarine warfare highlighted the aggressive nature of Germany.'
11. [2-3] 'President Wilson reacted furiously to US fatalities caused by U-boat attacks.'
12. [2-3] 'Wilson warned Germany over the US fatalities during the sinking of the Lusitania.'
13. [2-3] 'Unrestricted submarine warfare resumed in 1917 and the US public demanded war.'
14. [2-3] 'Many US merchant ships were attacked and lost near British waters.'
15. [2-3] 'German policies were to offer US land to Mexico if they supported Germany.'
16. [4-5] 'US public opinion was hardened by the publication of a telegram sent by the German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmermann, but intercepted by the British. It was sent to the German ambassador to Mexico offering United States territory to Mexico in return for joining the German cause.'
17. [6] Level 4 Explains TWO reasons (e.g., unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram).
18. [2-3] 'The Germany army suffered over 1 million casualties.'
19. [2-3] 'There was a 'flu epidemic which weakened the German forces.'
20. [2-3] 'The Allies had more men and tanks.'
21. [2-3] 'The French launched a counter-attack at the Marne in July.'
22. [2-3] 'Breaking the Hindenburg Line backfired for Ludendorff.'
23. [2-3] 'The Allies launched a combined attack.'
24. [2-3] 'The Allies were boosted by the arrival of US troops.'
25. [2-3] 'Morale and discipline were very low in the German army.'
26. [4-6] 'The weakness of the German forces was an important factor in the failure of the 1918 offensive. Germany suffered over 1 million casualties which was many more than the Allies. There was also an influenza epidemic which further weakened the German forces. By August 1918, it was reported that only two of the thirteen divisions in the German army were fit for action. Morale was very low and many soldiers deserted.'
27. [4-6] 'However, one of the main reasons for the failure of the 1918 offensive was that it was initially very successful. The Germans broke through the heavily fortified Hindenburg Line. This changed the nature of the war and played to the Allies' advantage. The war went from being a war of attrition to a war of movement. The Allies had more men, tanks and aircraft and so this suited them well. Having captured land in the first weeks of the offensive, the Germans also had the difficulty of defending them and Ludendorff was forced to retreat.'
28. [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.)
29. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far' (As Level 4 plus evaluation.)