Volume 17, Number 1, September 2014
Exam focus
AQA: The origins of the First
World War
Some guidance on approaching AQA questions on this topic
AQA’s Unit 2H Britain, 1902–1918: The impact of New Liberalism focuses on the impact of New
Liberalism on Britain in the period 1902–1918. Consequently, it examines Britain’s foreign policy in the
run up to the First World War, as well as the impact of the war on the government and society.
Christoph Mick’s article in this issue of MODERN HISTORY REVIEW ‘The origins of the First World War’
deals with the causes of the First World War and therefore is relevant to some aspects of this paper.
The exam
The exam comprises a series of questions including two 24-mark essay questions. Each of these 24mark questions should take roughly 30 minutes, plus a third of any extra time you might have, to
complete.
One of the 24-mark questions requires you to analyse three sources.
The second and third 24-mark questions require you to answer a question from own knowledge. Both
require you to assess the validity of a point of view. In order to get a mark in the top level you will need
to ensure that your answer demonstrates the following qualities:

A focused argument You should set out a clear case argument that answers the question.
This should be outlined in your introduction.

A balanced argument You should consider arguments for and against the point of view set
out in the question.

Relevant historical detail Back up the point you make with historical detail including dates,
names of key individuals and organisations, statistics and key terms.

A good structure and clear written style Each paragraph should make a clear point, which
contributes to the overall argument of the essay. The essay as a whole should have a logical
structure.

A supported judgment At the end of your answer, you should answer the question, arriving
at a final judgment. Your final judgment should not contradict your initial argument.
Sample question
‘Britain formed ententes with France and Russia due to fear of German aggression.’
Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. (24 marks)
Philip Allan Updates © 2012
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Approaching the question
This essay question asks you to make a judgement about how far Britain’s alliances were motivated
by fear of German aggression. Clearly, you will need to write a paragraph in which you consider
evidence that this was the primary reason for the ententes.
However, you will also need to consider other points of view, in order to write a balanced argument.
Activity
Christoph Mick’s article ‘The origins of the First World War’ sets out an explanation for the ententes.
Rather than arguing that Britain was motivated by fear of German aggression, Mick argues that
German foreign policy was the prime cause of the new alliances.
Read the section entitled ‘The arms race’ and:
1. Write a single sentence summarising Mick’s argument regarding why, following 1890, Britain’s
relationship with France and Russia improved.
2. Write a single sentence summarising Mick’s argument regarding why, Britain sort alliances
with France and Russia.
3. List all the details supporting these arguments.
4. TIP: Remember details include names, dates, technical vocabulary and statistics.
5. Write a paragraph that answers the sample question. Use Mick’s argument and the details
included in his essay.
6. Write a second paragraph from your own knowledge challenging Mick’s view.
7. Compare your paragraphs to the advice give above. Do your paragraphs contain:

A focused argument

A balanced argument.

Relevant historical detail.

A good structure and clear written style.
8. Finally, having read through your paragraphs, make a list of three ways in which you could
improve your essay technique next time you write an essay.
This resource is part of MODERN HISTORY REVIEW , a magazine written for A-level students by
subject experts. To subscribe to the full magazine go to: http://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/historyreview
Philip Allan Updates © 2012
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