The Weimar Republic faced many threats. 'Stresemann's policies were of little benefit to Germany.' 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.
- Despite the collapse in 1929, Stresemann's policies did a lot to help Germany. He gained international acceptance for Germany and achieved political and economic stability. It was not the fault of his policies that this was all lost, it was the fault of the Depression caused by the USA, and this caused the rise of Hitler. Without the Wall Street Crash and the Depression, Germany would have continued to prosper.

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.
- I disagree. Stresemann helped Germany a lot. He solved the problem in the Ruhr by ending passive resistance and issuing a new currency. This ended hyperinflation. With loans from the USA, Germany had an economic revival. Production went up, as did workers' wages and standard of living.
OR
- I agree with this. Although Stresemann's policies looked as if they had led to an economic revival, it had no proper foundations at all. It was all built on US loans which could be recalled at any time. Also, not everyone in Germany was doing well. The rich, like big businesses and big landowners, did well, but other groups like small business owners did not. When the Depression hit Germany, the whole revival collapsed very easily.
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.
- Unemployment was going up.
- Peasant farmers and small business owners were struggling.
- Germany's recovery was built on US loans.
- Germany was accepted into the League of Nations.
- He negotiated the Young Plan, including getting a better arrangement over reparations.
- The German economy revived and living standards went up.
- There was more political stability.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- At this time Germany was in real trouble and it needed someone like Stresemann to lead it. He introduced lots of reforms that helped Germany a lot.

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