Resistance to aggression by Germany and Japan came in different forms. 'The bombing of British cities in 1940-41 failed.' 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 some cities, such as Coventry, suffered enormously from the bombing with many people killed and whole areas destroyed, it did not achieve its aims which were to break the morale of the British people and seriously damage Britain's industrial production. In fact, it actually improved morale, with people looking after each and determined that it would be 'business as usual'. The Germans used a lot of effort for little gain.

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 bombing was not as effective as the Germans hoped. They aimed at breaking the morale of the British people in cities like London. Serious damage was done to British industry and ports to weaken the war effort. The bombing did not achieve either of these aims. The Blitz made the British people even more determined to stand up to the Germans and it pulled people together, so they all helped each other and the war effort. The bombing of industrial bases did not work because British war production continued to increase.
OR
- The bombing did not fail because it caused an enormous amount of damage. The first bombing was of the docklands in London and there was extensive damage. There was also much damage to other parts of London: hospitals, schools and residential areas. The Germans then spread the bombing to other cities such as Liverpool and Birmingham. Enormous numbers of civilians were killed, and large parts of several cities were completely destroyed. Damage was done to Britain's industrial output.
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.
- Tens of thousands of civilians were killed by the bombing, about half of them in London.
- More than a million houses were destroyed or damaged.
- Industrial cities and ports such as Hull, Plymouth, Coventry and Birmingham were badly damaged.
- Industry and cities often recovered within a couple of weeks of the bombing.
- Communal shelters helped to maintain morale - the 'Blitz Spirit'.
- German bombing tactics were poor, they did not concentrate on the vital industries.
- German intelligence about the location of Britain's most vital industrial plants was poor.
- Britain dispersed its production to different and smaller sites.
- The German bombers could only carry small bomb loads.
- Britain was well prepared with evacuations and organised civil defence.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- The bombing was called the Blitz and took place after the Battle of Britain. German bombers attacked cities and industrial targets. London was a common target.

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