AQA GCSE History Paper 1 (1AB), June 2025: Question 6

06 Which of the following had more impact on Germany after 1933:

• Nazi economic policies

• Nazi culture and censorship?

Explain your answer with reference to both bullet points.

[12 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 Explain and analyse historical events and periods studied using second-

order concepts (AO2:6)

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and

characteristics of the period studied (AO1:6)

Examiners are reminded that AO1 and AO2 are regarded as interdependent

and when deciding on a level should be considered together. When

establishing a mark within a level, examiners should reward three marks for

strong performance in both assessment objectives; two marks may be

achieved by strong performance in either AO1 or AO2 and one mark should be

rewarded for weak performance within the level in both assessment objectives.

Level 4: Complex explanation of both bullets leading to a sustained judgement 10–12

Answer demonstrates a range of accurate and detailed knowledge and

understanding that is relevant to the question

Extends Level 3

Students may progress from a developed explanation of causation by complex

explanation of the relationship between causes supported by factual

knowledge and understanding and arriving at a sustained judgement.

For example, both reasons are important and worked together. After the

Depression Nazi control of economic policy would have had more impact on

more people than culture or censorship. The Nazis tried to put the country on a

war footing with Goering’s Four Year Plan in 1936. This affected what people

ate, and the work they did. They would have been grateful for the RAD jobs,

rearmament factory work and public works created by the autobahns, and

schools and hospitals being built. Fewer Germans would have noticed the

introduction of censorship and Nazi control of culture which made sure that

Germans were only exposed to ideas the Nazis approved of. So they listened

to German folk music and marching songs and German composers, such as

Bach or Beethoven. Goebbels made pro-Nazi films for them to watch and they

could only listen to German radio stations. The German people had no–– –

alternative sources of information, and unless they were aware would not know

what they were missing.

Level 3: Developed explanation of both bullets 7–9

Answer demonstrates a range of accurate knowledge and understanding

that is relevant to the question

Extends Level 2. 11

Students may progress from a simple explanation of causation with extended

reasoning supported by developed factual knowledge and understanding.

For example, Nazi economic policy tried to put everybody back to work. They

introduced conscription from 1935. The army grew from 100,000 to 1,400,000.

Germany’s factories began to produce weapons – tanks and planes. Many

Jews lost their jobs, and women were encouraged to stay at home and not

work. The Nazis encouraged farmers to produce more so that the country

became self-sufficient.

Level 2: Simple explanation of bullet(s) 4–6

Answer demonstrates specific knowledge and understanding that is

relevant to the question

Students may progress from a basic explanation of causation by using simple

reasoning and supporting it with factual knowledge and understanding.

For example, Nazi culture had a big impact on people. It was designed to win

people over. The Nazis controlled newspapers, films, radio, and books.

Joseph Goebbels oversaw propaganda and he used these to put over Nazi

ideas. Sometimes only a sign was needed to send a message about how

people should think and behave, such as the book burning in 1933.

Level 1: Basic explanation of bullet(s) 1–3

Answer demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding that is

relevant to the question

Students recognise and provide a basic explanation of one/both bullet points.

For example, the Nazis reduced unemployment, they built autobahns.

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