Western intervention in other countries had mixed results. 'The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was caused by greased cartridges.' 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 greased cartridges were a factor, but they represented just one example of a more fundamental issue - that of religion. The greased cartridges were about insults to the religions of the Indians but there were also other threats to their beliefs. The EIC was introducing reforms that appeared to be attacks on their religions. Also, missionaries were setting up missions to force Christianity on the Indians. So, the overall problem was religion, and the cartridges were just one part of this.

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 greased cartridges caused the rebellion. The Indian soldiers had to bite off the ends of lubricated cartridges for their new Enfield rifles. The Indians believed that the cartridges were being lubricated by pig and cow fat. It was an insult for Muslims and Hindus to have contact with these animals and so they began to refuse to use the cartridges, and this resistance ended in violence.
OR
- There were many causes that were nothing to do with the cartridges. Indians believed that the British were trying to undermine their religions and were trying to force everyone to be Christians. This was partly because of the work of missionaries and because reforms introduced by the British seemed to attack their religious beliefs.
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 Indian princes were gradually losing their power.
- The doctrine of lapse.
- Westernisation.
- The work of Christian missionaries.
- Indians thought the caste system was under threat.
- Reforms gave women more freedom.
- The introduction of the new Enfield rifle.
- The use of pig and cow fat to grease the cartridges.
- This was an insult to Muslims and Hindus.
- British taxation.
- Annexation of land by the EIC.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- The greased cartridges were very important and explain why violence broke out all over India. The greased cartridges upset a lot of people. However, there were other causes as well.

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