Germany had changing fortunes in the Second World War. Why was Germany unable to defeat the Soviet Union?

Level 4: Explains two reasons. 6 marks
Level 3: Explains one reason. 4-5 marks
Four marks for one explanation, five marks for explanation supported by specific contextual knowledge.
- This was because of mistakes by Hitler. He should have supported his generals' idea of a full-scale attack on Moscow to take it as quickly as possible. However, Hitler diverted parts of the army to other targets such as Ukraine. His only hope had been to take Moscow quickly, and when the attack was resumed it was too late.

Level 2: Identifies or describes valid reason(s); addresses the question but does not explain. 2-3 marks

One Level 2 mark for each identification/description.
- Winter conditions made fighting difficult.
- Russian reinforcements around Moscow were strong.
- The Soviet defences around Moscow.
- Supply problems for the Germans.
- The vast distances involved.
- The huge number of Russian troops.
- Hitler's interference with the operation.
- The Germans underestimated the strength and size of Russian forces.
- The Germans were defeated at Stalingrad.
- Russian tank superiority.
- The determined resistance of the Russians.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- Germany started its attack on the Soviet Union in 1941. It used a massive invasion force, but in the end failed. This is because it was an enormous task that could not be completed.

Accept all valid responses.
Level 0: No creditable response. 0 marks