The Soviet Union faced several challenges in Eastern Europe. 'The Soviet Union responded in the same way to unrest in Hungary and in Czechoslovakia.' 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 there were differences in the reactions of the Soviets - for example, their reaction in Hungary was harsher - the fundamentals of Soviet action were the same. It was not going to allow any reforms that threatened its control over the Eastern Bloc and it would send in tanks and use violence to remove the trouble makers.

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.
- In both situations the Soviets did not take action straightaway. In Hungary they actually withdrew Russian troops and Nagy began to introduce reforms. In Czechoslovakia as Dubček introduced reforms in the Prague Spring, the Soviets did not take action but negotiated with him.
OR
- There were differences in the way the Soviet Union reacted. It was much harsher and more violent in Hungary. Nagy was kidnapped and then executed and the Soviets killed tens of thousands of Hungarians in fighting to take control. In Czechoslovakia, Dubček was not executed but downgraded and there was no massacre of Czechs.
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 was worried about ideas for reform.
- It was worried that ideas for reform could spread to other countries in Eastern Europe.
- It did not take action immediately.
- It sent tanks in and crushed the unrest.
- It removed Nagy as leader in Hungary and Dubček in Czechoslovakia.
- It removed troops from Hungary but not from Czechoslovakia.
- It responded more harshly and violently in Hungary because Nagy announced Hungary was leaving the Warsaw Pact.
- Nagy was executed; Dubček was downgraded to a low-level job.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- There was unrest in Hungary in 1956 while the unrest in Czechoslovakia was in 1968. This meant that the Soviets had to respond in different ways.

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