Hitler's conquest of most of mainland Europe was rapid.

Mark scheme

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

1. [4] It was an attack by the German army on Russia.
2. [4] The Operation was designed to destroy Soviet armies and capture its vast economic resources.
3. [4] German forces attacked towards Leningrad in the north.
4. [4] Blitzkrieg techniques were used in the attack.
5. [4] At first, German forces made very rapid advances.
6. [6] The British won the battle. This 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, this meant Britain stayed independent and would be able to fight back.
7. [2-3] The British won the battle which meant they would not be invaded by the German army.
8. [2-3] Winning the battle meant Britain would be able to fight back.
9. [2-3] The radar system was proved to be effective.
10. [2-3] Hitler failed to achieve his objective of conquering Britain.
11. [1] The Battle of Britain took place in 1940.
12. [10] The German forces were superior in many ways, not just through their forces. Their strategy was well thought out and they also had superior communications with even the smallest military unit being equipped with a radio which allowed them to react faster than the Allies and keep Headquarters up to date with information.
13. [4-6] Germany had a well-planned strategy. Case Yellow was the name for the German attack to the north. This was designed to draw the main Allied forces into northern France and Belgium, and then surround them in a huge 'pincer' manoeuvre. However, this attack was a diversion. This succeeded in trapping Allied forces in the north, leaving German forces free to attack further south.
14. [4-6] Allied forces were no match for the German army which was superior in number and technology. Although the Allies had some success in a counter-attack near Arras, they did not have the reserves necessary to hold on to the ground they gained and were outmanoeuvred by the Wehrmacht. Allied forces were unable to react quickly enough to the fast-moving German forces which were well equipped with radios for effective communication, tanks and supporting aircraft.
15. [2-3] The Germans attacked at three points.
16. [2-3] Germany had broken French codes and knew about their war plans.
17. [2-3] The Wehrmacht used their strategy of Blitzkrieg.
18. [2-3] The Allies were trapped by a pincer movement to the north.
19. [2-3] All Germany military units had a radio.
20. [2-3] The Allies tried to counter-attack at Arras.
21. [1] The Allies were forced to retreat to Dunkirk.