Practice Exam Questions
This unit is a Paper 1 depth study. Paper 1 lasts 1 hour 30 minutes in duration which leaves about 45 minutes per topic. Students have to answer questions on two topics. it will be assessed in the exam through four knowledge based questions which test students chronological understanding, explanation of consequence, analysis of causation and ability to form a historical argument using sources and their own knowledge:
Question A requires you to place five events in their correct chronological order. It’s only worth 3 marks so complete it as quick as you can! 3 minutes should be enough. Obviously you need good chronological knowledge. Revision exercises using timelines to test yourself on dates is a good idea.
'Study the events which occurred in Germany in the years 19xx-19xx. Write these events in the correct chronological sequence':
1. The Reichstag Fire, The Spartacist Uprising, The Night of the Long Knives, Von Papen becomes Chancellor, The Enabling Act
2. The Dawes Plan, Hyperinflation, French occupation of the Ruhr, The Treaty of Versailles, The Kapp Putsch
3. Kristallnacht, The Dawes Plan, The Nuremburg Laws, Establishment of the first Ghettos, The Young Plan
4. French Occupation of the Ruhr ends, The Young Plan agreed, Germany enters League of Nations, The Dawes Plan agreed, The Locarno Pact
5. Germany joins the League of Nations, Munich Putsch, The Young Plan, The Spartacist Revolt, The Kaiser Abdicates
6. Weimar Republic created, Introduction of the Rentenmark, The Kellogg-Brian Pact, DAP Established, The Wall Street Crash
7. 25-Point Plan of the DAP, Hitler becomes Chancellor, SS Established, Dachau Concentration Camp Opened, The Concordat
8. Mein Kampf Published, Berlin Olympics, Lebensborn Programme, German Labour Front, National Labour Service
9. Invasion of Poland, Wannsee Meeting, Hitler commits Suicide, Stauffenberg Plot, Defeat at Stalingrad
10. The Death of Hindenburg, Creation of the NSDAP, The Introduction of the Final Solution, Germany allowed to join the League of Nations, The French Occupation of the Ruhr.
11. The Nuremberg Laws, The Reichstag Fire, The Kapp Uprising, Von Schleicher becomes Chancellor, The Stauffenberg Plot.
12. The Enabling Act, The Nazi Party wins 230 seats, The Locarno Treaties, The Death of Hindenburg, The Kellogg-Briand Pact.
1. The Reichstag Fire, The Spartacist Uprising, The Night of the Long Knives, Von Papen becomes Chancellor, The Enabling Act
2. The Dawes Plan, Hyperinflation, French occupation of the Ruhr, The Treaty of Versailles, The Kapp Putsch
3. Kristallnacht, The Dawes Plan, The Nuremburg Laws, Establishment of the first Ghettos, The Young Plan
4. French Occupation of the Ruhr ends, The Young Plan agreed, Germany enters League of Nations, The Dawes Plan agreed, The Locarno Pact
5. Germany joins the League of Nations, Munich Putsch, The Young Plan, The Spartacist Revolt, The Kaiser Abdicates
6. Weimar Republic created, Introduction of the Rentenmark, The Kellogg-Brian Pact, DAP Established, The Wall Street Crash
7. 25-Point Plan of the DAP, Hitler becomes Chancellor, SS Established, Dachau Concentration Camp Opened, The Concordat
8. Mein Kampf Published, Berlin Olympics, Lebensborn Programme, German Labour Front, National Labour Service
9. Invasion of Poland, Wannsee Meeting, Hitler commits Suicide, Stauffenberg Plot, Defeat at Stalingrad
10. The Death of Hindenburg, Creation of the NSDAP, The Introduction of the Final Solution, Germany allowed to join the League of Nations, The French Occupation of the Ruhr.
11. The Nuremberg Laws, The Reichstag Fire, The Kapp Uprising, Von Schleicher becomes Chancellor, The Stauffenberg Plot.
12. The Enabling Act, The Nazi Party wins 230 seats, The Locarno Treaties, The Death of Hindenburg, The Kellogg-Briand Pact.
Question B will always pick two events from Question A. You will need to use your knowledge to explain one effect of that event. An effect means the results or consequences of an event – what did the event lead to? Try to avoid describing the event itself, focus on explaining its impact.
1. Choose either The Reichstag Fire or The Spartacist Uprising. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
2. Choose either Hyperinflation or The Treaty of Versailles. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
3. Choose either The Dawes Plan or The Young Plan. Explain one effect on Germany of the event of you have chosen.
4. Choose either The Reichstag Fire or The Enabling Act. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
5. Choose either The National Labour Service or Rearmament. Explain one effect on unemployment of the Nazi policy you have chosen.
6. Choose either The Kapp Putsch or The Munich Putsch. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
7. Choose either The German Revolution or The Weimar Constitution. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
8. Choose either The Ruhr Crisis or The Introduction of the Rentenmark. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
9. Choose either Germany joining the League of Nations or The Night of the Long Knives. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
10. Choose either The Locarno Pact or The Wall Street Crash. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
11. Choose either The Kellogg-Brian Pact or The Law Against the Establishment of Political Parties. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
12. Choose either The Death of Hindenburg or Kristallnacht. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
13. Choose either The Nuremberg Laws or German Labour Front. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
14. Choose either Allied Bombing of Germany or Rationing. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
15. Choose either The German Defeat at Stalingrad or The Death of Hitler. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
16. Choose either The Death of Hindenburg or The French Occupation of the Ruhr. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
17. Choose either The Kapp Uprising or Von Schleicher becomes Chancellor. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
18. Choose either The Enabling Act or The Locarno Treaties. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
2. Choose either Hyperinflation or The Treaty of Versailles. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
3. Choose either The Dawes Plan or The Young Plan. Explain one effect on Germany of the event of you have chosen.
4. Choose either The Reichstag Fire or The Enabling Act. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
5. Choose either The National Labour Service or Rearmament. Explain one effect on unemployment of the Nazi policy you have chosen.
6. Choose either The Kapp Putsch or The Munich Putsch. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
7. Choose either The German Revolution or The Weimar Constitution. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
8. Choose either The Ruhr Crisis or The Introduction of the Rentenmark. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
9. Choose either Germany joining the League of Nations or The Night of the Long Knives. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
10. Choose either The Locarno Pact or The Wall Street Crash. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
11. Choose either The Kellogg-Brian Pact or The Law Against the Establishment of Political Parties. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
12. Choose either The Death of Hindenburg or Kristallnacht. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
13. Choose either The Nuremberg Laws or German Labour Front. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
14. Choose either Allied Bombing of Germany or Rationing. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
15. Choose either The German Defeat at Stalingrad or The Death of Hitler. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
16. Choose either The Death of Hindenburg or The French Occupation of the Ruhr. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
17. Choose either The Kapp Uprising or Von Schleicher becomes Chancellor. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
18. Choose either The Enabling Act or The Locarno Treaties. Explain one effect on Germany of the event you have chosen.
Question C will always test your knowledge of Causation – why did something happen? You will need to explain the reasons why an event happened in detail. You will have to explain at least two reasons and link them for full marks. Spend about 10 minutes on this question.
1. Why were the Nazis able to reduce unemployment in the years 1933-39? Explain your answer.
2. Why was there increased support for the Nazi Party in the years 1929-32? Explain you answer.
3. Why was Hitler able to establish a dictatorship in the years 1933-34? Explain your answer.
4. Why was the Treaty of Versailles unpopular with the German people? Explain your answer.
5. Why was there so much social hardship in Germany between 1918 and 1923? Explain your answer.
6. Why was Germany able to recover under the leadership of Stresemann in the years 1924-29? Explain your answer.
7. Why did French and Belgian troops occupy the Ruhr in January 1923? Explain your answer.
8. Why was the Nazi party so unsuccessful in elections in 1928? Explain your answer.
9. Why did the Nazi party lose support in the years 1924-28? Explain your answer.
10. Why was Hitler able to become chancellor in 1933? Explain your answer.
11. Why was there increased opposition to Hitler after 1939? Explain your answer.
12. Why did Nazi Germany lose the Second World War? Explain your answer.
13. Why was Hitler able to reduce unemployment in the years 1933-1939? Explain your answer.
14. Why was Hitler able to control the Church in the years 1933-1939? Explain your answer.
15. Why were there changes to the lives of young people in Germany in the years 1933-39? Explain your answer.
16. Why were there changes to the position of women in Germany in the years 1933-45? Explain your answer.
17. Why was there opposition to the Weimar Republic in the years 1919-23? Explain your answer.
2. Why was there increased support for the Nazi Party in the years 1929-32? Explain you answer.
3. Why was Hitler able to establish a dictatorship in the years 1933-34? Explain your answer.
4. Why was the Treaty of Versailles unpopular with the German people? Explain your answer.
5. Why was there so much social hardship in Germany between 1918 and 1923? Explain your answer.
6. Why was Germany able to recover under the leadership of Stresemann in the years 1924-29? Explain your answer.
7. Why did French and Belgian troops occupy the Ruhr in January 1923? Explain your answer.
8. Why was the Nazi party so unsuccessful in elections in 1928? Explain your answer.
9. Why did the Nazi party lose support in the years 1924-28? Explain your answer.
10. Why was Hitler able to become chancellor in 1933? Explain your answer.
11. Why was there increased opposition to Hitler after 1939? Explain your answer.
12. Why did Nazi Germany lose the Second World War? Explain your answer.
13. Why was Hitler able to reduce unemployment in the years 1933-1939? Explain your answer.
14. Why was Hitler able to control the Church in the years 1933-1939? Explain your answer.
15. Why were there changes to the lives of young people in Germany in the years 1933-39? Explain your answer.
16. Why were there changes to the position of women in Germany in the years 1933-45? Explain your answer.
17. Why was there opposition to the Weimar Republic in the years 1919-23? Explain your answer.
Question D will ask you to write an extended response. You must use the source AND your own knowledge to describe or explain the causes, effects or a period of change. If the question is about change then obviously try to write about change by comparing the situation before and after the period. Allow 15-20 minutes at least.
1. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain why Germany experienced a period of recovery in the years 1924-1929.
"The introduction of the Rentenmark stabilised the German currency. The Dawes Plan of 1924 and US loans encouraged economic recovery. As Foreign Secretary, Stresemann signed the Locarno Treaties and negotiated Germany’s entry to the League of Nations."
2. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain the changes in the position of women in Nazi Germany in the years 1933-39.
"The Nazis believed that men and women had different roles to play in Germany. Boys and girls were sent to separate schools and studied different subjects. The training continued in the Nazi youth movements. Men were expected to become soldiers and workers. Women were discouraged from doing paid work."
3. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain the problems faced by the Weimar Republic in the years 1919-23.
"In June 1919, the Weimar Republic had to sign the Treaty of Versailles. The Weimar Republic also faced opposition from the left and right. Moreover, the French occupation of the Ruhr in January 1923 was followed by hyperinflation."
4. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain the effects of the Depression on Germany in the years 1929-32.
"The Depression which followed the Wall Street Crash had devastating effects on Germany. Growing unemployment brought widespread hardship for many Germans and made the Weimar government even more unpopular. There was increasing support for extreme parties such as the Nazis and the Communists."
5. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain how the Nazi Party changed in the years 1920-28.
"In 1920, the Nazi Party announced a 25 point programme and support for the party steadily increased. The following year Hitler set up the Sturmabteilung (SA). The Munich Putsch of 1923 led to Hitler's arrest and imprisonment and a change in his tactics."
6. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain how the position of the Jews in Germany changed in the years 1933-39.
"In April 1933, the Sturmabteilung (SA) organised a boycott of Jewish shops and, within a year, local councils had banned Jews from public places. In 1935, Jews were denied German citizenship through the Nuremberg Laws. The Nazi campaign against the Jews was stepped up during and after Kristallnacht."
7. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain the part played by Hitler in the early development of the Nazi Party 1919-23.
"In 1921 Hitler became party leader and in the same year founded the Sturmabteilung (SA). The SA was a paramilitary organisation that paraded in full uniform, wearing the Nazi 'swastika'. Its main task was to protect Nazi meetings and 'disrupt' those of its opponents."
8. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain the changes involved in creating the Nazi Police State 1933-39.
"The SS was supported by the Gestapo (or secret police). The Gestapo used any methods they could to find opponents of the regime, including phone tapping and spying on people. Informers were everywhere, in every street, every workplace and even in every classroom."
9. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain the changes in the education system under the Nazis in the years 1933-39.
"The Nazi minister of Education said that the whole purpose of education was to create Nazis. School was to be the ideal place to mould the mind of the child and follow the ideas of the Nazis. Boys were trained in military skills and girls would be educated in domestic skills. The various Nazi youth movements supported these ideas."
10. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain how Hitler became Chancellor in January 1933.
"In the July 1932 general election, the Nazis became the biggest party in the Reichstag, but President Hindenburg refused to accept Hitler as Chancellor and appointed Franz von Papen. In the November 1932 election, the Nazis lost some support, but were still the biggest party in the Reichstag. Franz von Papen was replaced as Chancellor by General Kurt von Schleicher."
11. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain how Nazi attitudes to the Church changed in the years 1933-39.
"The Church was repressed by Hitler's police state. The Nazis glorified strength and violence and taught racial superiority. Christianity, on the other hand, taught tolerance and peace and respect for all people. At first, Hitler tried to control the Christian Churches by reassuring them and encouraging them to work with the Nazis however this didn't work. Soon Hitler turned the full force of the police state against Christians."
12. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain how the Nazis used censorship and propaganda to control Germany in the years 1933-39.
"When Hitler became Chancellor in January 1933, Joseph Goebbels was made Minister of People's Enlightenment and Propaganda. He used censorship and propaganda to campaign for the Nazi Party. But he also used them to control the political, cultural and artistic life of Germany."
13. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain how Hitler managed to reduce unemployment in the years 1933-39.
"It was a system in which owners of property and workers were all subjects of the state. The great industrial magnates, like Krupp and Thyssen, remained - but they were forced to serve the needs of Germany, especially with rearmament. Trade unions were abolished... labour was put at the disposal of the Reich, in the form of the new Labour Front and National Labour Service."
14. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain why Nazi policies towards the Jews changed after war began in 1939.
"After the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, the Nazis occupied lands containing over four million Jews. Some Nazi leaders, such as Hitler's deputy Goering, argued against killing the Jews. They provided cheap labour vital to the war effort. But others, such as Himmler, head of the SS, said that ghettos, camps and death squads were too expensive to run and used men who were needed in the army."
15. Use the source, and your own knowledge, to explain why opposition to Hitler increased during the war 1939-45.
"There had been opposition to the Nazis during the 1930s but this grew as the war started to get worse. By 1943 Germany was in retreat on most fronts. This was made worse by Allied bombing campaigns that brought the war home for most German civilians. A sense of unease and despair began to descend amongst Germans as news of defeats abroad and horrors at home began to spread. This brought new forms of opposition to Hitler from all sections of society."
