The years after 1929 were disastrous for many American people. 'It was the Depression that led to Roosevelt winning the 1932 election.' 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.
- The Depression was crucial. People were in a desperate state with nowhere to live, no jobs and not even any food. It might be that Roosevelt would have won the election anyway with people so desperate, but what clinched it for him was Hoover's failure to help and his confidence that he could help people.

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 Depression did win the election for Roosevelt. In the towns many people lost their jobs. They had to sell their homes and became homeless unemployed. They had to queue for bread and soup. Shanty towns grew up with children living in shacks and searching through rubbish tips for food. Things were not better in the country where farmers lost their farms and had to live on the road. All of these people needed help, but President Hoover did little to help them. This explains why they turned to Roosevelt in the election.
OR
- It was not just the Depression. Roosevelt won the election by giving people hope that he could deal with the situation and help them. He promised the American people a New Deal by which the US government would spend money to help them. He seemed confident that he could do this, and this gave many people confidence as well. They felt Roosevelt would succeed
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.
- There was massive unemployment and poverty.
- Families lost their homes and lived in shanty towns.
- Farmers lost their farms.
- The Bonus Marchers demanded payment.
- Hoover believed in self-reliance.
- Hoover failed to help the American people.
- Roosevelt's confidence appealed to people.
- Roosevelt's promise of a New Deal gave people hope.
- Roosevelt's warm and friendly personality.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- The Depression was very important in letting Roosevelt win the election but there were also many other factors that helped him.

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