Germany had changing fortunes in the Second World War. 'The Battle of Britain was a turning point for Britain.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

Level 5: Explains both sides and supports a valid judgement on 'how far'. 10 marks

One explanation or more on each side.
- Although the Battle of Britain meant that Britain was safe from a German invasion, it did not mean that it could not be defeated. At the same time France had fallen, and Germany was very strong. Britain also had to rebuild its army. It needed other developments to ensure that the Second World War was not lost to Germany, such as the failure of Operation Barbarossa. As soon as the Russians began to make advances, Germany was in trouble. This was the key turning point.

Level 4: Explains both sides. 7-9 marks
For candidates to be awarded this level they must have one explanation on each side.

Seven marks for one explanation on each side; one additional mark for each additional explanation on either side.

Level 3: Explains one side. 4-6 marks
One Level 3 mark for each explanation.
- The Battle of Britain was a turning point because if the German air force had won it would have had control of the skies over the English Channel and North Sea. This would have meant that the Germany army could have invaded because it already controlled French ports. With air cover, the Germans would have been able to send troops across the Channel and start an invasion. Without control of the air, the Germans knew that their ships full of troops would be destroyed before they got to the British coast. After the Battle of Britain Germany's chances of winning were much smaller.
OR
- It was not a turning point. The situation after the Battle of Britain in 1940 was still very good for Germany. The British and French had been defeated in France, which had surrendered. The German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, and this operation's failure, was the real turning point. From this point on, Germany was on the defensive and the Russians started to advance into Poland.
Level 2: Identifies or describes valid points; addresses the question but does not explain. 2-3 marks

One Level 2 mark for each identification/description.
- It made the Germans call off the idea of invading Britain.
- The Battle of Britain meant that the German air force did not have control of the skies.
- The Battle of Britain helped Britain survive and extended the war.
- Germany still had the upper hand in 1940.
- There were other turning points, such as the failure of the German invasion of Russia.
- The defeat at Stalingrad.
- Allied victories in Africa.
- The D-Day landings.
- The state of the British army after Dunkirk.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- The Battle of Britain was very important. It was an enormous struggle between the RAF and the German air force. It went a long way to deciding the outcome of the war.

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