AQA GCSE History Paper 1 (1AC), June 2025: Question 3

03 Which interpretation gives the more convincing opinion about the

Provisional Government?

Explain your answer based on your contextual knowledge and what it says in

Interpretations A and B.

[8 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)

Evaluate interpretations and make substantiated judgements in the

context of historical events studied (AO4d)

Level 4: Complex evaluation of interpretations with sustained judgement based 7–8

on contextual knowledge/understanding

Extends Level 3.

Students may progress from a developed evaluation of interpretations by

analysis of the relationship between the interpretations supported by factual

knowledge and understanding.

For example, Interpretation B is more convincing because Lenin and Trotsky

were ruthless and well organised. Lenin was so determined to overthrow the

Provisional Government that he accepted help from Germany, Russia’s enemy

in the First World War, to return from exile. Trotsky was responsible for

planning the takeover of Petrograd by the Red Guards and the storming of the

Winter Palace in November 1917.

Level 3: Developed evaluation of both interpretations based on contextual 5–6

knowledge/understanding

Extends Level 2.

Answers may assert one interpretation is more/less convincing.

Students may progress from a simple evaluation of the interpretations by

extended reasoning supported by factual knowledge and understanding.

For example, Interpretation A is convincing about the government being

weakened by failure in the First World War. There were thousands of

deserters from the army after a Russian offensive in June 1917 was defeated

by the German army. However, Interpretation B is also convincing about

growing support for the Bolsheviks because after their role in defeating the–– –

Kornlilov Revolt in September 1917, the Bolsheviks became the majority party

in the Moscow and Petrograd Soviets.

Level 2: Simple evaluation of one interpretation based on contextual 3–4

knowledge/understanding

There may be undeveloped comment about the other interpretation.

Students may progress from a basic analysis of interpretations to simple

evaluation, supported with factual knowledge and understanding.

For example, Interpretation B is convincing because the Bolsheviks were well

organised. Lenin had made a plan of action in his ‘April theses’. The

Bolsheviks organised themselves into an army which they called the ‘Red

Guards’.

Level 1: Basic analysis of interpretation(s) based on contextual 1–2

knowledge/understanding

Answers show understanding/support for one/both interpretation(s), but the

case is made by assertion/recognition of agreement.

For example, Interpretation A is convincing because peasants were hostile

towards the Provisional Government. They ignored its orders and took over

land in the countryside themselves.

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