Tensions in Europe grew in the first years of the twentieth century. Which of Britain and Germany was the more responsible for the tensions between them in the years 1898-1914? 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.
- Both sides spent enormous amounts of money on the arms race, and this certainly made tensions much worse. If large armies and navies were being created, they were likely to be used. However, Germany was the more aggressive of the two and this can be seen by the creation of the Schlieffen Plan. Germany's ambition to be the most powerful country in Europe was the main cause of the tensions.

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.
- Germany was mainly to blame. This was because by 1900 Germany believed it deserved to be recognised as a great power. To achieve this, it started to demand an empire as other European countries had. It had to catch up and this made it aggressive. It also started to build a great navy so that it could rival the power of Britain which had always controlled the seas. These policies by Germany caused tensions with Britain.
OR
- Britain was more responsible. It made the naval race much worse by building dreadnoughts. These were the most powerful battleships that had ever existed, and this forced Germany to try and keep up with Britain in naval building. Britain formed the Entente Cordiale with France which worried Germany.
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.
- The Schlieffen Plan.
- Germany's colonial policy.
- Germany's actions over Morocco.
- Germany built up its army and navy.
- Germany gave Austria the blank cheque.
- The Entente Cordiale.
- Germany started the naval race.
- Britain built the dreadnoughts.
- Britain failed to make its position clear in the July Crisis.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- I think that tensions grew because both sides wanted to be the most powerful country. They were both aggressive and both were to blame.

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