In the years before 1914, relations between European powers grew increasingly tense.

Mark scheme

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

1. [4] It encouraged friendship between Germany, Austria and Italy.
2. [4] Each of the three countries promised mutual support if there was an attack by another great power.
3. [4] Germany and Austria would help Italy if it were attacked without provocation.
4. [4] Italy would help Germany if it were attacked by France.
5. [4] If there was a war between Austria and Russia, Italy would stay neutral.
6. [4] Germany promised to support Italian colonial ambitions in North Africa.
7. [6] The launch of the super-battleship Dreadnought in 1906 made all previous battleships out of date. It was faster, bigger and had a much greater firing range than existing battleships. It meant Britain was only one new battleship ahead of Germany. A race developed between the two countries to see who could build the most.
8. [2-3] Germany wanted a large navy to challenge Britain's.
9. [2-3] Germany wanted to protect its Empire.
10. [2-3] The passing of the German Navy Law.
11. [2-3] The Germans made a determined effort to expand their navy with Admiral Tirpitz's Navy Law of 1897.
12. [2-3] Both countries wanted to be the dominant world power.
13. [1] Both sides built huge battleships such as the British Dreadnought.
14. [10] Germany was responsible for war as it promised to back up whatever Austria did and gave them a ‘blank cheque' to be aggressive. Without this support Austria may have taken more care not to provoke Russia into supporting Serbia.
15. [4-6] Following the assassination at Sarajevo of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Austria declared war on Serbia. This brought Russia into the conflict as it supported Serbia. Germany supported its ally Austria-Hungary by declaring war on Russia then France. This was the immediate cause of war.
16. [4-6] Britain entered the war because Germany invaded neutral Belgium. Britain honoured the Treaty of London of 1839. During the early years of the century, there was an arms race between Britain and Germany. Britain tried to modernise its army to rival Germany, while Germany strengthened its navy with dreadnoughts and submarines to rival Britain's navy. This increased tension and it only needed an excuse to test the rival forces.
17. [2-3] Austria reacted to the assassination.
18. [2-3] Austria issued an ultimatum to Serbia but wanted an excuse to fight.
19. [2-3] The growth of Serbia was responsible.
20. [2-3] Germany's aggressive attitude was responsible for war.
21. [2-3] Germany invaded Belgium.
22. [2-3] War was caused by the arms race between Britain and Germany.
23. [1] The Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated.