AQA GCSE History Paper 1 (1AD), June 2025: Question 5

05 In what ways were the lives of Americans affected by Prohibition?

Explain your answer.

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

order concepts (AO2:4)

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and

characteristics of the period studied (AO1:4)

Level 4: Complex explanation of changes 7–8

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 changes by

explanation of the complexities of change arising from differences such as

time, group, social and/or economic impact, supported by knowledge and

understanding.

For example, Prohibition did not work and did not have any of the benefits that

it intended to create; it increased the number of bars that existed. It resulted in

many people losing respect for the law and choosing to break it because they

did not agree with it. Eventually the ban on alcohol was lifted in order to end

the influence of gangsters on society and to create a source of tax income for

the government.

Level 3: Developed explanation of changes 5–6

Answer demonstrates a range of accurate knowledge and understanding

that is relevant to the question

Extends Level 2.

Students may progress from a simple explanation by developed reasoning

considering two or more of the identified consequences, supporting them by

factual knowledge and understanding.

In addition to a Level 2 response, students make additional developed point(s).

For example, people's lives were affected by gangsters and the organised

crime which developed as a consequence of Prohibition. Criminal gangs made

money from selling alcohol in Speakeasies and they bribed the police to turn a

blind eye to their law breaking. Gangs would also make money through––8145/1A/D –

racketeering which was when they threatened to smash up businesses unless

shopkeepers paid 'protection’ money.

For example, people's lives were affected by the creation of 'Prohibition Agents'

who were given the job of enforcing the law. They had to find the places that

were still selling alcohol and confiscate it. There were far too few agents to

have any effect on the smuggling business as alcohol came from Canada in

the North and Mexico in the South.

Level 2: Simple explanation of change 3–4

Answer demonstrates specific knowledge and understanding that is

relevant to the question

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

reasoning and supporting it with factual knowledge and understanding which

might be related, for example, to one of the identified changes.

For example, people had to buy alcohol from secret bars called Speakeasies

that were hidden in cellars. A special password was needed to be allowed in.

People also drank homemade alcohol called ‘moonshine’. This was sometimes

poisonous.

Level 1: Basic explanation of change(s) 1–2

Answer demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding that is

relevant to the question

Students identify change(s), which are relevant to the question. Explanation at

this level is likely to be implicit or by assertion.

For example, it became illegal to buy alcohol.

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