AQA GCSE History Paper 1 (1AB), June 2025: Question 1

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

01 How does Interpretation B differ from Interpretation A about why Germans supported

the Nazi Party?

Explain your answer based on what it says in Interpretations A and B.

[4 marks]

The indicative content is designed to exemplify the qualities expected at each

level and is not a full exemplar answer. All historically relevant and valid

answers should be credited.

Target Analyse individual interpretations (AO4a)

Analyse how interpretations of a key feature of a period differ (AO4b)

Level 2: Developed analysis of interpretations to explain differences based on 3–4

their content

Students may progress from a simple analysis of interpretations with extended

reasoning to explain the differences.

For example, the interpretations differ about the reasons why Germans

supported the Nazis. In Interpretation A it says it was because they were a

party for the workers which would help the unemployed but in Interpretation B it

says the Nazis were a party for everyone which offered unity.

Level 1: Simple analysis of interpretation(s) to identify differences based on their 1–2

content

Students are likely to identify relevant features in each interpretation(s).

For example, the interpretations differ because it says in Interpretation A that

people were hungry but in Interpretation B it says they joined because

Germany lost the First World War.

Students either submit no evidence or fail to address the question 0

How to answer it

Analyzing Interpretation Differences

AQA GCSE History • Question 01 • 4 Marks

What this question tests

This question assesses your ability to analyse individual historical interpretations (AO4a) and explain how they differ regarding a key feature of a period (AO4b)—in this case, why Germans supported the Nazi Party. You do not need to evaluate reliability or bring in your own external knowledge; your answer must focus strictly on what is written in Interpretations A and B.

Question Breakdown & Mark Scheme

Question 01: How does Interpretation B differ from Interpretation A?

🧠 Exam Technique

Direct Contrast: Start by clearly stating the core difference between the two extracts in one sentence.
Quote & Explain: Support your point with a brief, direct quote from Interpretation A and contrast it immediately with a quote from Interpretation B.
Keep it Focused: Do not waste time evaluating which interpretation is right or wrong, and leave out your own historical background knowledge.

💡 Key Knowledge

Interpretation Focus: Recognise that historians view Nazi appeal differently—some emphasize economic desperation/class appeal (workers/unemployed), while others stress national unity and emotional/ideological appeal above class divisions.
Source Comprehension: Quick reading and identification of main arguments in short text blocks is essential.

✅ Level 2 Response Example (3–4 Marks)

"Interpretation A and Interpretation B differ in their explanation of why Germans supported the Nazis. Interpretation A suggests support came because the Nazis acted as a party for the workers to help the unemployed ('a party for the workers which would help the unemployed'). In contrast, Interpretation B argues that Germans supported them because the party offered national unity to everyone ('a party for everyone which offered unity')."

Why it gets Level 2: Provides a developed comparison using explicit content and quotes from both interpretations to explain the difference clearly.

❌ Common Errors & Pitfalls

No Comparison (Level 1 trap): Describing what Interpretation A says, and then separately describing Interpretation B without explicitly linking how they differ.
Brought-in Knowledge: Wasting valuable time writing paragraphs about the Wall Street Crash or Treaty of Versailles. The mark scheme only rewards what is in the texts.
Vague Paraphrasing: Failing to use brief quotes to anchor the comparison, leading to generalized statements that lack precision.

Topics

Paper 1 AB Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship · Part two: Germany and the Depression