SECTION B: DEPTH STUDIES. Depth study E: The Second World War in Europe and the Asia–Pacific, 1939–c.1945. Germany had successes in the early part of the war.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] France thought they would fight a defensive war against Germany.
2. [1] The French did not anticipate the speed of the attack.
3. [1] German forces invaded France through the dense forests of the Ardennes.
4. [1] They bypassed the Maginot Line.
5. [1] A two-day battle at Sedan ended in defeat for the French.
6. [1] German troops entered Paris on 14 June.
7. [1] French forces withdrew from the city the day before and it was declared an 'open city' to prevent its destruction.
8. [1] France fell within six weeks.
9. [6] Level 4: Explains two reasons.
10. [4-5] Level 3: Explains one reason. Four marks for one explanation, five marks for explanation supported by specific contextual knowledge.
11. [4] One reason for Germany being unable to conquer the USSR by the end of 1941 was that they had assumed that defeat would come quickly and did not make plans for a long war. They thought that the Soviets would surrender after the initial defeats. The Soviet Union was vast and this brought logistical difficulties meaning supplies of fuel and ammunition were affected. Most German soldiers only had summer uniforms and when winter set in they were unprepared.
12. [2-3] Level 2: Identifies or describes valid reason(s); addresses the question but does not explain. One Level 2 mark for each identification/description.
13. [1] The Germans did not plan for a long war.
14. [1] Russia was vast and supply lines were difficult to maintain.
15. [1] Soviet soldiers used scorched earth tactics as they retreated and this made communication more difficult for the German army.
16. [1] German soldiers were not equipped for winter.
17. [1] Although the Russians suffered heavy defeats at first, they had huge reserves of troops.
18. [1] Russian soldiers were also used to fighting in winter conditions.
19. [1] Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question.
20. [1] The Germans were confident of victory against the Soviet Union because of their Blitzkrieg tactics.
21. [0] Level 0: No creditable response. 0 marks
22. [10] Level 5: Explains both sides and supports a valid judgement on 'how far'. One explanation or more on each side.
23. [10] For those rescued from Dunkirk, their evacuation was clearly important and the rescue mission was a great boost to public morale. However, the Battle of Britain secured Britain's position and prevented Hitler's invasion. This was more important to the long term development of the war than the evacuation at Dunkirk because it meant that Britain would not be captured and would be able to fight on.
24. [7-9] Level 4: Explains both sides. For candidates to be awarded this level they must have one explanation on each side; one additional mark for each additional explanation on either side.
25. [4-6] Level 3: Explains one side. One Level 3 mark for each explanation.
26. [4] The Dunkirk evacuation was an important event for the Allies because the British Expeditionary Force was rescued rather than being captured by the German army. The loss of the BEF would have meant the loss of Britain's only trained troops and this would have damaged the Allied war effort. Many boats were involved in the evacuation and its success was a great boost to civilian morale. The 'Dunkirk spirit' helped Britain to fight on in 1940 when prospects for victory in the war looked remote.
27. [4] The Battle of Britain was won by the British. It was important because it meant that Hitler would be unable to launch an invasion through Operation Sealion. Unlike much of western Europe, which had fallen to German forces very quickly and become occupied by the Nazis, Britain stayed independent and would be able to fight back.
28. [2-3] Level 2: Identifies or describes valid points; addresses the question but does not explain. One Level 2 mark for each identification/description.
29. [1] The British won the battle which meant they would not be invaded by the German army.
30. [1] The BEF was rescued from capture by German forces.
31. [1] Over 300 000 Allied soldiers were evacuated.
32. [1] Winning the Battle of Britain meant Britain would survive the war.
33. [1] Many civilians helped to evacuate the troops.
34. [1] The BEF was Britain's only trained fighting force.
35. [1] Dunkirk lifted public morale at a difficult time in the war.
36. [1] The radar system was proved to be effective.
37. [1] Hitler failed to achieve his objective of conquering Britain.
38. [1] Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question.
39. [1] The evacuation at Dunkirk was known as Operation Dynamo.
40. [0] Level 0: No creditable response. 0 marks