AQA GCSE History Paper 1 (1AB), June 2025: Question 2

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

02 Why might the authors of Interpretations A and B have a different interpretation about

why Germans supported the Nazi Party?

Explain your answer using Interpretations A and B and your contextual knowledge.

[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 why interpretations differ (AO4c)

Level 2: Developed answer analyses provenance of interpretation to explain 3–4

reasons for differences

Students may progress from identification to explanation of the reasons for the

differences in the interpretations supported by factual knowledge and

understanding related to, for example, differences in provenance, context of

their time of writing, place, previous experience, knowledge, beliefs,

circumstances, and access to information, purpose and audience.

For example, the interpretations differ because of the authors’ experiences.

The author of Interpretation A had worked in the 1920s and fought in the war

so in 1987 he wanted to explain at the time there was no alternative – join or

starve. The author of Interpretation B was a young student who had little life

experience and was impressed by Hitler and his patriotism.

Level 1: Simple answer analyses provenance to identify reasons for difference(s) 1–2

Students are likely to identify relevant reasons for the differences in each

interpretation(s). Related to, for example, differences in provenance, context of

their time of writing, place, previous experience, knowledge, beliefs,

circumstances, access to information, purpose and audience.

For example, Interpretation A was an adult when he joined the Nazis.

Whereas Interpretation B was spoken by a young German girl who grew up

with the Nazis.

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

How to answer it

Explaining Differences in Interpretations

AQA GCSE History • Question 02 • 4 Marks

📋 What this question tests

This question assesses your ability to analyse individual historical interpretations (AO4a) and explain why the authors have different views (AO4c). You must link the authors' backgrounds, experiences, provenance (who they were, when they wrote, or their circumstances), and contextual knowledge to the specific arguments they make about why Germans supported the Nazi Party.

Question Overview & Mark Allocation

The Task: Why might the authors of Interpretations A and B have a different interpretation about why Germans supported the Nazi Party? Explain your answer using Interpretations A and B and your contextual knowledge. [4 marks]

Level 2 (3–4 Marks)

Top Band: Provides a developed answer that analyses the provenance of the interpretations to explain the specific reasons for their differences, backed by contextual knowledge.

Level 1 (1–2 Marks)

Lower Band: Gives a simple answer that identifies reasons for the difference based on provenance, but lacks full development or contextual explanation.

How to Secure Full Marks (Step-by-Step)

🧠 Exam Technique

Step 1: State the core difference. Briefly outline what Interpretation A claims versus what Interpretation B claims about Nazi support.
Step 2: Use Provenance. Explain who the authors were or when/why they were writing (e.g., an adult looking back years later vs. a young person brainwashed at the time).
Step 3: Connect to Context. Integrate historical knowledge to show why their background caused them to hold that specific view.

❌ Common Errors to Avoid

Just describing the content: Wasting time comparing what the texts say without explaining why the authors think differently.
Ignoring provenance: Forgetting to talk about the authors' backgrounds, time of writing, or personal experiences.
Generic answers: Saying "they lived at different times" without linking it directly to the debate over Nazi support.

Exemplar & Examiner Insight

💡 Examiner Commentary & What Top-Level Responses Do

Examiners note that top-level (Level 2) responses do not just spot that the authors are different ages or writing at different times; they successfully bridge that gap by showing how those life experiences shaped their perspectives. For instance, an author writing retrospectively in the late 20th century might emphasize the desperation and lack of alternatives during the Weimar crisis, whereas a youth writing or reflecting from inside the regime highlights charismatic appeal and patriotism.

Mark Scheme Example: Interpretation A's author may have experienced the severe economic chaos of the 1920s/30s firsthand as an adult, viewing support as driven by economic desperation ("join or starve"). In contrast, Interpretation B's author (or perspective) reflects a younger person or someone swept up by Nazi propaganda, emphasizing Hitler's dynamic leadership and appeal to national pride.

Topics

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