A The First World War (1914-1918) : and To in

International conflicts and threats
Topic
One to peace in the 20th century
A The First World War (1914-1918)
Topical
Exercises
I Alliance system (22 marks) Historical concept: History is interpretation
Skills training: Classification, Tabulation,
Data-based Question Inference
The following American cartoon, titled 'The Crime of the Ages — Who did it?', is related to
the first World War.
The p
eace of Europe
Russ
ia Aust
Germa ria
ny
Serbia
Britain
Belgiu
m France
Italy
(a) Identify the two military camps in Europe during the First World War and put the names of
the countries (except Italy) shown in the cartoon in the right boxes. (7 marks)
Camp Countries
Central Powers Germany, Austria-Hungary
Allied Powers Britain, Russia, Serbia, Belgium, France, Italy
(b) Was the cartoon published before or after 1915? Explain your answer with reference to the
cartoon and using your own knowledge. (4 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to which camp Italy belonged to in 1915.
The cartoon was published before 1915. The man representing Italy crosses his arms and stays away
time. In addition, it was not until 1915 that Italy joined the Triple Entente and officially participated in the
War although it was an ally of the Triple Alliance. Hence, the cartoon was published before 1915.
1
(c) What does the cartoonist think about the situation of Europe at that time? Cite three clues
from the cartoon to explain your answer. (6 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the condition of the goddess, the title of the cartoon, and
the actions of the men representing the powers.
The cartoonist thought that the situation in Europe was unstable as hostility existed among the powers.
In the cartoon, the goddess representing the 'peace of Europe' lies on a stone and is stabbed with a
sword. This reflects that Europe was no longer at peace. Moreover, the cartoon was titled 'Crime of
the Ages – Who did it?'. The word 'crime' carries negative meaning. Lastly, the men representing the
European powers are accusing one another of murdering the goddess with swords in their hands. This
shows that the powers were hostile to one another.
(d) Do you agree with the view of the cartoonist? Explain your answer with reference to the
historical facts during the period 1914-1918. (5 marks)
I agree. In 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia with support from Germany under the alliance
system. To avoid a two-front war, Germany violated the neutrality of Belgium to attack France. As a
result, Britain and France entered the War. In 1915, Italy joined the Allied Powers. The War continued in
Europe until Germany surrendered in 1918.
L1: Vague answer, with ineffective use of own knowledge. (max. 2)
L2: Clear answer, with effective use of own knowledge. (max. 5)
Marks: /22
II Crises in the Balkans (12 marks) Historical concept: Time and

chronology
Data-based questions Skills training: Decision
making, Inference
The following 1908 cartoon is titled 'Balkan
Troubles'.
ry
unga
Otto tri
a-H
man Aus
Em
pire Bulgaria
2
(a) What is the view of the cartoonist towards the Balkan situation? Cite two clues from the
cartoon to explain your answer. (5 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the expression in the men's eyes and their postures, as well as
the condition they are in.
The cartoonist thinks that the situation in the Balkans was very unstable and conflicts could break out
at any time. First, the men representing the Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria stare at one
another angrily; Bulgaria turns his back against the Ottoman Empire and Austria-Hungary. This reflects
that the relations among the three countries were tense. Second, fire is burning under the pot. This
suggests that the situation would be more intense.
(b) Can the cartoon fully reflect the situation in the Balkans during the period 1908-1914?
Explain your answer using relevant historical facts. (7 marks)
The cartoon can / cannot fully reflect the situation in the Balkans during the period 1908-
1914.
The cartoon does not show the Bosnian Crisis in 1908, in which Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and
Herzegovina. The cartoon does not show the two Balkan Wars in 1912 and 1913. Austria-Hungary was
uneasy about the expansion of Serbia. The cartoon does not show the Sarajevo Incident in 1914, which
led to the declaration of war on Serbia by Austria-Hungary.
L1: Vague answer, with ineffective use of relevant historical facts. (max. 3)
L2: Clear answer, with effective use of relevant historical facts. (max. 7)
Marks: /12
III Relations among the European powers Historical concept:

Similarity and difference
during the First World War (14 marks) Skills training:
Inference, Empathy and
Poster study imagination
The following poster was published during the First

World War.
'Hold your hand out, you naughty boy!'

3
(a) What country does the woman on the left represent? Explain your answer. (2 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to her skirt.
Britain. Her skirt is printed with the pattern of the British national flag.
(b) What country does the boy on the right represent? Explain your answer. (3 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to his look and clothing.
Germany. He looks like Kaiser William II of Germany. The eagle on his shirt and his spiked helmet are the
symbols of Germany.
(c) What are the differences between the body sizes, facial expressions and gestures of the two
people in the cartoon? (5 marks)
Britain is bigger and Germany smaller ; the two are staring at each other angrily,
while Britain carries a club, and Germany a battleship and a cannon . This shows
that the relations between Britain and Germany were tense and the outbreak of
a war was possible.
(d) In which country was this poster most likely to be published? (4 marks)
Britain. The author of the poster calls Germany a 'naughty boy' carrying a battleship and cannon. He
suggests that Germany was responsible for starting the First World War. The woman representing Britain
plans to punish Germany with the club in her hand. This shows that the author was probably a British
who hoped that his country would defeat and punish Germany.
L1: Vague answer, ineffective in using the Source to explain the answer. (max. 2)
L2: Clear answer, effective in using the Source to explain the answer. (max. 4)
Marks: /14
Comprehensive
Exercises I Multiple choice questions (5 marks)
1. Which of the following descriptions show correct causal relationships?
(1) The Franco-German relations were tense due to the Franco-Prussian War, so Bismarck
had to establish the alliance system to isolate France.
(2) Russia needed a warm-water port, so it expanded into the Balkans.
(3) Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, so Austria-Hungary and Germany
maintained good relations.
(4) Britain adopted the policy of 'Splendid Isolation', so it did not involve itself in
European affairs before 1902.
A (1), (2), (3) B (1), (2), (4)
C (2), (3), (4) D (1), (2), (3), (4) B
4
2. Which of the following are correct descriptions about France?
(1) France was defeated in the Franco-Prussian War and sought revenge on Germany.
(2) France lost to Italy in the scramble for Tunisia.
(3) France had Britain's support in both Moroccan Crises.
(4) France allied with Russia before the First World War to break diplomatic isolation.
A (1), (2), (3) B (1), (3), (4)
C (2), (3), (4) D (1), (2), (3), (4) A
3. Which of the following are correct descriptions of the relations among the powers before
the First World War?
(1) The Bosnian Crisis worsened the relations between Russia and Serbia.
(2) The two Balkan Wars worsened the relations between Austria-Hungary and Serbia.
(3) Germany and Austria-Hungary had good relations as they both belonged to the Triple
Alliance.
(4) The relations between Britain and Germany were tense due to their race in building
dreadnoughts.
A (1), (2), (3) B (1), (2), (4)
C (2), (3), (4) D (1), (2), (3), (4) C
4. Which of the following incidents set off the First World War?
A. Sarajevo Incident (1914)
B. Bosnian Crisis (1908)
C. Second Balkan War (1913)
D. Second Moroccan Crisis (1911) A
5. Which of the following are the impacts of the First World War?
(1) New territorial settlements in Europe
(2) Isolation of Britain and France
(3) Heavy casualties and economic loss
(4) Formation of military blocs
(5) Dissolution of the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire
A (1), (3), (4) B (1), (3), (5)
C (2), (3), (5) D (3), (4), (5) B
Marks: /5 5
II Matching (10 marks)
Column A (Historical figures) Column B (Historical events)

(1) B i s m a r c k , C h a n c e l l o r o f A. He signed the Treaty of London
Germany with Britain and France to join the
(2) Kaiser William II of Germany Allied Powers.
(3) Tsar Nicholas II of Russia B. He proposed to punish Germany
severely.
(4) Lenin, Russian revolutionary
leader C. He started the alliance system to
isolate France.
(5) Archduke Ferdinand, heir to
the Austrian throne D. H e a n n o u n c e d t h a t R u s s i a
withdrew from the First World War.
(6) Emmanuel III, King of Italy
E. He promoted Pan-Germanism and
(7) Edward VII, King of Britain
competed with Britain in building
(8) Georges Clemenceau, Prime dreadnoughts.
Minister of France
F. He proposed the founding of an
(9) Woodrow Wilson, President of international peacekeeping body.
the US
G. He actively improved the relations
(10) Lloyd George, Prime Minister with France and competed with
of Britain Germany in building dreadnoughts.
H. H e s u g g e s t e d p r e s e r v i n g a
reasonably strong Germany.
I. He was assassinated in Sarajevo,
the capital of Bosnia, in 1914.
J. He supported Serbia to declare
war on Austria-Hungary.
(1) C (2) E (3) J (4) D (5) I
(6) A (7) G (8) B (9) F (10) H
Tsar Nicholas II King Edward VII Kaiser William II
6 Marks: /10
III Role-play (12 marks)
Course of Incident
On 28 June 1914, Austria-Hungary carried out military exercises in Sarajevo, the capital
of Bosnia. After inspecting the army, Archduke Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated
by a Serb radical. After the assassination,
Austria-Hungary sent an ultimatum to
Serbia. The ultimatum contained many
demands. Serbia was given 48 hours to
respond.
Mission
Respond to the ultimatum by Austria-
Hungary as a Serb diplomat. Protect the
interests of Serbia and avoid the outbreak
of a war.
Demands by Austria-
Your response
Hungary
(1) Stop all anti-Austrian Accept / Refuse

activities Reason: To stabilise the situation and avoid giving Austria-
Hungary more excuses for declaring war.
(2) Disband all anti- Accept / Refuse

Austrian organisations Reason: The assassin came from a Serb anti-Austrian
organisation, so it would be necessary to disband the
relevant organisation.
(3) Punish people related Accept / Refuse

to the assassination Reason: The people related to the assassination should bear
legal liability and be brought to justice.
(4) Allow Austrian officials Accept / Refuse

to enter Serbia for Reason: The assassination did not happen in Serbia, and
investigation Austria-Hungary had no right to interfere with the
investigation by Serbia.
Alternative answers are also accepted as long as they are reasonable.
Marks: /12 7
IV Crossword puzzle (12 marks)
Down
1. In 1870, Prussia waged the War and defeated France to establish the German
Empire. (two words)
2. Main pattern of war on the Western Front during the First World War. (two words)
3. In 1908. Austria-Hungary annexed and Herzegovina.
4. Italy signed a secret pact with Britain and France in 1915 to join the . (two words)
5. The Serb who assassinated Archduke Ferdinand in 1914.
6. A diplomatic agreement; the signatories agree to provide one another with military aid
under certain circumstances. (two words)
Across
a. In 1871, France was forced to cede to Prussia. Its economy was seriously
damaged. (two words)
b. An international organisation founded after the First World War. (three words)
c. In 1907, Britain, France and Russia formed the . (two words)
d. In 1882, Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy formed the . (two words)
e. The immediate cause of the First World War. (two words)
f. Russia supported to expand in the Balkans.
6M
I
L
dT R I P L E A L L I A N C E
T
A 1F
R R
Y aA L S A C E L O R R A I N E
A N 4A
L C 3B L
bL E A G U E O F N A 2T I O N S L
I P R S I
A cT R I P L E E N T E N T E
N U N I D
C S C A P
fS E R B I A S H O
I W W 5P
A A E R
N R R I
F S N
A C
eS A R A J E V O I N C I D E N T
E P
8 Marks: /12
V True or false (10 marks)
1. Germany and Russia promoted Pan-Slavism and Pan-Germanism respectively.

They had a series of conflicts in the Balkans.
2. After the end of the First World War, the Austro-Hungarian Empire split into Austria
and Hungary.
3. Before the First World War, the European powers competed for Africa and South
America.
4. Before the First World War, Germany competed in armaments race with other
European powers to build the strongest navy and army.
5. After the outbreak of the war, Germany adopted the Schlieffen Plan. It tried to
quickly defeat Italy through invading the Netherlands.
6. During the First World War, Germany adopted the policy of unrestricted submarine
warfare to cut off France's supplies.
7. The Paris Peace Conference was controlled by Britain, France and China.
8. Italy and Japan, the victorious powers, were not satisfied with the Paris Peace
Settlements in 1919.
9. The Treaty of Versailles required Germany to pay compensation of 6.6 billion
US dollars to the powers.
10. The First World War helped raise the status of women.
True False Correction
1. 8 Pan-Germanism and Pan-Slavism
2. 3
3. 8 Asia
4. 3
5. 8 Belgium, France
6. 8 Britain
7. 8 the US
8. 3
9. 8 British pounds
10. 3
Marks: /10 9
VI Fill in the blanks (18 marks)
Continuities and changes of the powers before and after the First World War
Countries Early 20th century After the First World War
• Had a strong navy • Military strength greatly reduced

• Did not want to start a war • Did not want to start a war
• F a c e d m i l i t a r y t h r e a t f r o m • Major military threat disappeared
Germany • Became one of the founding
Britain • Adopted the policy of 'Splendid members of the League of
Isolation' Nations
• An economic power • Economic strength weakened
• Maintained the balance of power • Maintained the balance of power
in Europe in Europe
• Successfully sought revenge to

• Wanted revenge on Germany restore national glory
France
• Challenged by Germany • Avoid the possibility of another
war
• Had great military strength • Military strength greatly reduced

• Started the alliance system • Diplomatically isolated
Germany
to look for military allies • Forced to give up all its colonies
• Actively expanded outwards
• Diplomatically neutral ; later • Remained diplomatically neutral

The US joined the Allied powers • Enjoy a rise in its diplomatic
• Had a fair diplomatic status status
• National strength remained weak

• C h a n g e d s i d e s t o j o i n t h e
• Weak national strength Allied Powers during the
Italy • A member of the Triple Alliance w a r, b u t u n a b l e t o g a i n t h e
territories as promised, hence
deeply discontented with Britain
and France
• Put forward the idea of

Pan-Slavism a n d s u p p o r t e d • No longer actively involved itself
Russia
in European affairs
Serbia to expand in the Balkans
10 Marks: /18
VII Data-based questions (49 marks)
1. Study the Sources below carefully and answer the following questions.
Source A A cartoon published in July Source B A c a r t o o n p u b l i s h e d i n

1905 September 1911
co
roc
Mo Enterdiale
Co
nte
German Emperor: 'A strong fleet is the best

guarantee of peace.'
President of France: 'I agree!'
(a) What countries do the three people in Source A represent? Explain your answer. (6 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the gender of the people, their clothing and the objects in their hands.
The man in the middle represents Germany, because he looks like Kaiser William II of Germany and
wears German military uniforms. The man on the left is John Bull representing Britain. The woman on
the right wears French traditional clothing with 'Entente Cordiale' in her hand. She represents France,
Britain's ally.
(b) Identify the historical event shown in Source A and explain your answer. (3 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to his look and clothing.
The First Moroccan Crisis. The cartoon was published in 1905. Kaiser William II is holding a piece of
paper with the word 'Morocco' on it.
11
(c) What is the man in the middle of Source A trying to do? Would his plan be successful?
Explain your answer using your own knowledge. (4 marks)
Germany tried to damage the alliance formed by Britain and France during the First Moroccan Crisis. As
Britain supported France in the Crisis, Germany was forced to back down and its plan thus failed.
(d) Identify the historical event shown in Source B and explain your answer. (3 marks)
The Second Moroccan Crisis. The cartoon was published in 1911. In the cartoon, Germany and France
tried to solve the 'Moroccan Question' by demonstrating their naval strengths.
(e) What was the impact of the historical events shown in Sources A and B on the situation in
Europe? Explain your answer using relevant historical facts. (6 marks)
The two Moroccan Crises further worsened the relations among the powers. The situation in Europe
became unstable. Germany suffered diplomatic failures and thus allied closely with Austria-Hungary
against Britain and France. The confrontation between the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente became
increasingly serious.
2. Study the Sources below and answer the following questions.
Source A The following passage is adapted from the declaration by the Japanese
government on 23 August 1914.
We hereby declare war against Germany. ... We have hoped to preserve peace of the
Far East by maintaining strict neutrality, but the action of Germany has forced Britain,
our ally, to declare war against it.
Source B Major Developments of the First World War

Date Developments
28 July 1914 Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
1 August 1914 Germany declared war on Russia.
3 August 1914 Germany carried out the Schlieffen Plan. It tried to defeat France
quickly by invading Belgium.
4 August 1914 Britain declared war on Germany to protect the neutrality of

Belgium.
1915 Germany and Austria-Hungary defeated Russia on the Eastern

Front.
12
February-April 1917 Germany sunk many American ships. The US abandoned its
isolationist policy and declared war on Germany.
November 1917 Russia withdrew from the War; the fighting on the Eastern Front
ended.
Early 1918 Germany made several attacks on the Western Front, but all of
the attempts failed.
September – early Bulgaria, Turkey and Austria-Hungary from the Central Powers
November 1918 surrendered one after another.
11 November 1918 Germany signed an armistice with the Allied Powers.
Source C The following cartoon was published in 1916. Woodrow Wilson, President
of the US, was running for re-election at that time.
Vote for
Wilson
who kept you
out of the
War!
US lection
tial E
Preside1n 916
(a) What event does 'the action of Germany' in Source A refer to? Explain your answer with
reference to Sources A and B. (3 marks)
Germany carried out the Schlieffen Plan. Source A mentioned that Germany's action led to the
declaration of war by Britain. Source B shows that Britain declared war on Germany because the
Schlieffen Plan violated the neutrality of Belgium.
13
(b) According to Source B, how did the war go for the Central Powers during the period
1914-early 1917 and the period after mid-1917? (1 mark)
3 Gained the upper hand during the period 1914-early 1917; lost ground during the
period after mid-1917
Lost ground during the period 1914-early 1917; gained the upper hand during the
period after mid-1917
Had the upper hand during the periods 1914-early 1917 and after mid-1917
Kept losing ground during the periods 1914-early 1917 and after mid-1917
(c) What was the attitude of President Wilson towards the First World War in 1916? Explain
your answer with reference to Source C. (3 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the poster in the cartoon.
President Wilson was unwilling to participate in the First World War. He was running for presidential re-
election in 1916. As reflected in the poster in the cartoon, he held that the US should keep out of the
First World War.
(d) Did President Wilson change his attitude? Explain your answer with reference to Source B.
(3 marks)
Wilson changed his attitude. According to Source B, as Germany continued to sink American ships, the
US was forced to abandon its isolationist policy and declared war on Germany in April 1917. Finally, the
US joined the First World War.
3. Study the Sources below and answer the following questions.
Source A The following passage is extracted from a speech made by Prime Minister
Lloyd George of Britain, before the Paris Peace Conference in January
1919.
We want a peace which will be just, but not vindictive. We want a stern peace because
the occasion demands it, but the severity must be designed, not for vengeance, but for
justice. Above all, we want to protect the future against a repetition of the horrors of this
war.
14
Source B The following passage is extracted from a speech made by Premier
Georges Clemenceau of France at the Paris Peace Conference.
Unfortunately, we know the Germans better than anyone. The more concessions we
make, the more they will demand. We shall be merciless to their demands. The French
people don't understand why they should be generous and forgiving despite all the
suffering, destruction and loss of lives imposed on them by Germany. Generosity
towards the aggressor is harmful to peace.
Source C The following speech was made by President Wilson of the US in

December 1918.
We have used great words, all of us; we have used the great words 'right' and 'justice',
and now we are to prove whether or not we understand these words and how they are
to be applied to the particular settlements which must conclude this war.
(a) List the different attitudes of Britain, France and the US towards Germany as a defeated
nation after the First World War. Explain your answer with reference to the Sources.
(3 marks)
Britain opposed to take revenge on Germany while suggesting just punishment on Germany. France
was strong towards Germany by refusing to compromise but favouring harsh punishment on Germany.
The US hoped to adopt right and just attitude towards Germany and the drafting of peace treaties.
(b) As you noted in (a), which country's attitude towards Germany was reflected in the Treaty
of Versailles? Explain your answer with reference to your own knowledge (5 marks)
The Treaty of Versailles reflected French attitude towards Germany. The terms targeted Germany in the
Treaty of Versailles were harsh. For example, Germany had to bear the sole responsibility for having
caused the First World War. Germany was disarmed. Germany had to renounce all colonies and part
of its territories. Germany also had to pay a huge sum of reparations. Hence, Germany was harshly
punished by the Treaty of Versailles, and this met the demands of France.
15
4. Study the Source below and answer the following questions.
Source A An American poster published in the 1920s
(a) What are the woman and the man doing respectively in Source A? (2 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the words on the poster.
The woman is going to vote, while the man is taking care of the baby.
(b) Identify the social phenomenon that is referred to in Source A. Explain your answer with
reference to Source A. (3 marks)
The status of women rose after the First World War. According to the cartoon, they were given the right
to vote. They might not have to do housework like baby-sitting only as before.
(c) As you noted in (b), how was the emergence of this social phenomenon related to the First
World War? Explain your answer using your own knowledge. (4 marks)
During the First World War, labour shortage was serious because many men were fighting at the
frontline. In order to maintain production, governments encouraged women to work in factories. After
the War, women's wartime contributions were generally recognised. They gradually enjoyed higher
social status and obtained the right to vote.

16 Marks: /49
VIII Essay question (15 marks)
How did the policies of Kaiser William II of Germany lead to

the outbreak of the First World War?
Answer Tips
1. Pay attention to key words such as 'Kaiser William II of Germany', 'policies' and 'how'.
2. Understand the role of Kaiser William II in the eve of WWI.
3. The relation between Kaiser William II's thoughts of extreme nationalism and the outbreak
of WWI.
4. The relation between the armament race led by William Kaiser II and the outbreak of WWI.
5. The relation between Kaiser William II's colonial policy and the outbreak of the WWI.
6. The relation between Kaiser William II's thoughts on the alliance system and the outbreak
of the WWI.
Introduction:
• Briefly introduce Kaiser William II and how his policies led to the outbreak of WWI.
Think about it:

1. William II became the Kaiser of Germany in 1888.
2. In regard to extreme nationalism, he promoted Pan-Germanism .
3. In regard to military, he made extensive expansion of the navy and army .
4. In regard to colonial policy, he held an active attitude towards competing with
European powers on colonies.
5. In regard to the alliance system, he supported the advance of Austria-Hungary in
the Balkans to consolidate the Triple Alliance .
Put the points above into a paragraph:

William II became the Kaiser of Germany in 1888. He had carried out series of policies since then. These
included: promoting extreme nationalism; making extensive expansion of the navy and army; actively
competing with European powers for colonies; supporting the advance of Austria-Hungary in the
Balkans to consolidate the Triple Alliance. His policies made the relations among the European powers
tense and eventually led to the outbreak of the First World War.
17
Main Text 1:
• Explain how Kaiser William II's thoughts on extreme nationalism led to the outbreak of WWI.
Think about it:

(1) Topic sentence:
Q: What was the view of Kaiser William II on extreme nationalism? How did his view lead
to the outbreak of the First World War?
A: He strongly promoted extreme nationalism. This made the relations among the
European powers tense, and eventually led to the outbreak of the First World War.
(2) Explanation
Q: Why did Kaiser William II hold the view mentioned above?
A: He thought that extreme nationalism helped Germany's foreign expansion to
unite the German people in Europe.
(3) Examples
Q: What kind of extreme nationalism did Kaiser William II promote? What impacts did this
brought to the situation of Europe?
A: H e promoted Pan-Germanism with the hope of uniting the German people in Europe
t o e s t a b l i s h a s t ro n g G e r m a n y. H e n c e , h e s u p p o r t e d t h e a d v a n c e o f
Austria-Hungary in the Balkans, including the annexation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina in 1908, to resist the Pan-Slavism promoted by Russia. Germany
even gave unlimited support to Austro-Hungarian punishment on Serbia after
the Sarajevo Incident in 1914, which eventually led to the First World War.
(4) Briefly conclude the whole paragraph.

First, Kaiser William II strongly promoted extreme nationalism. This made the relations among the
European powers tense, and eventually led to the outbreak of the First World War. He thought that
extreme nationalism helped Germany's foreign expansion to unite the German people in Europe and
establish a strong Germany. Hence, he supported the advance of Austria-Hungary in the Balkans,
including the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908, to resist the Pan-Slavism promoted by
Russia. Germany even gave unlimited support to Austro-Hungarian punishment on Serbia after the
Sarajevo Incident in 1914, which eventually led to the First World War. Kaiser William II's active support
of extreme nationalism inevitably worsened the relations among the European powers and led to the
outbreak of the First World War.
18
Main Text 2:
• Explain how the armament race led by Kaiser William II led to the outbreak of WWI.
Think about it:

(1) Topic sentence
Q: What view did Kaiser William II hold on military expansion? How did this view lead to
the outbreak of the First World War?
A: He strongly supported the extensive expansion of the navy and army . Hence,
the European powers competed in expanding their military and they were not afraid
of wars. Thus, armament race developed, and this increased the possibility of the
outbreak of the First World War.
(2) Explanation
A: He thought that a large-scale war was inevitable among the European powers.
Therefore, he strove to expand the military in order to get Germany well-prepared for
future war.
(3) Examples
Q: How did Kaiser William II intensify the armament race?
A: He actively expanded the navy and army. For the navy, he competed with the
forerunner Britain in building dreadnoughts . For the army, he carried out enlistment, and
this made France and Russia compete in expanding their army . At the same time,
he adopted the Schlieffen Plan to avoid a two-front war . Eventually, he promised
Austria-Hungary of military support on the declaration of war on Serbia in the Sarajevo
Incident in 1914. Thus, the First World War finally broke out.

Moreover, Kaiser William II strongly supported the extensive expansion of the navy and army. Hence,
the European powers competed in expanding their military and they were not afraid of wars. Thus,
armament race developed, and this increased the possibility of the outbreak of the First World War.
Kaiser William II thought that a large-scale war was inevitable among the European powers. Therefore,
he strove to expand the military in order to get Germany well-prepared for future war. For the navy, he
competed with the forerunner Britain in building dreadnoughts. For the army, he carried out enlistment,
making France and Russia compete in expanding their army. At the same time, he adopted the
Schlieffen Plan to avoid a two-front war. Eventually, he promised Austria-Hungary of military support on
the declaration of war on Serbia in the Sarajevo Incident in 1914. Thus, the War finally broke out. The
military expansion carried out by Kaiser William II intensified the armament race among the European
powers, and this led to the outbreak of the First World War.
19
Main Text 3:
• Explain how Kaiser William II's colonial policy led to the outbreak of WWI.
Think about it:

(1) Topic sentence
Q: What was the characteristic of Kaiser William II's colonial policy? How did this policy
lead to the outbreak of the First World War?
A: Kaiser William II promoted active expansion of colonies. This resulted in the tense
relations among the European powers and a series of regional crises. Eventually, the First World
War broke out.
(2) Explanation
Q: Why did Kaiser William II promote the colonial policies mentioned above?
A: He thought that he could, through colonial expansion , seize more resources and
markets for export to enhance Germany's economic development, and prove the national strength
of Germany.
(3) Examples
Q: How did Kaiser William II carry out his colonial policy? What was the influence of his
colonial policy?
A: He actively seized African colonies. For example, he had competed for Morocco with
France twice but failed . The two Moroccan Crises worsened the relations
between Germany and France while intensifying the confrontation between the two
camps, the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente .

And third, Kaiser William II promoted active expansion of colonies. This resulted in the tense relations
among the European powers and a series of regional crises. Eventually, the First World War broke out.
He thought that he could, through colonial expansion, seize more resources and markets for export to
enhance Germany's economic development, and prove the national strength of Germany. He actively
seized African colonies. For example, he had competed for Morocco with France twice but failed.
The two Moroccan Crises worsened the relations among Germany and France while intensifying the
confrontation between the two camps, the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente. Kaiser William II's
colonial policy greatly increased the possibility of diplomatic conflicts among the European powers, and
accelerated the outbreak of the First World War.
20
Main Text 4:
• Explain how Kaiser William II's thoughts on the alliance system led to the outbreak of WWI.
Think about it:

(1) Topic sentence
Q: What was the view of Kaiser William II on the alliance system? How did this view lead
to the outbreak of the First World War?
A: He suggested using the alliance system to maintain the isolation of France .
This led to the establishments of the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente. The confrontation
between the two opposing camps in Europe accelerated the outbreak of the First World War.
(2) Explanation
A: He had been preventing France from taking revenge by consolidating the relations
with his allies, especially Austria-Hungary , through the Triple Alliance .
If Germany declared war against France, the nearby Austria-Hungary would
immediately provide military support.
(3) Examples
Q: How did Kaiser William II carry out the alliance system? What was the influence of his
action?
A: He established a closer relationship with Austria-Hungary in the Triple Alliance, and
kept Russia at a distance. Hence, Russia formed the Triple Entente with France and
Britain in 1907. Supported by Germany, Austria-Hungary had frequent
conflicts with Serbia supported by Russia because of its advance in the Balkans.
As the Sarajevo Incident broke out in 1914, Austria-Hungary declared
war against Serbia. Under the alliance system, the countries of the two camps
declared war one after another. This finally led to a total war .

Fourth, Kaiser William II suggested using the alliance system to maintain the isolation of France. This led
to the establishments of the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente. The confrontation between the two
opposing camps in Europe accelerated the outbreak of the First World War. Kaiser William II had been
preventing France from taking revenge by consolidating the relations with his allies, especially Austria-
Hungary, through the Triple Alliance. If Germany declared war against France, the nearby Austria-
Hungary would immediately provide military support. Kaiser William II established a closer relationship
with Austria-Hungary in the Triple Alliance, and kept Russia at a distance. Hence, Russia formed the
Triple Entente with France and Britain in 1907. Supported by Germany, Austria-Hungary had frequent
conflicts with Serbia supported by Russia because of its advance in the Balkans. As the Sarajevo
Incident broke out in 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war against Serbia. Under the alliance system, the
countries of the two camps declared war one after another. This finally led to a total war. Kaiser William
II's thoughts on the alliance system worsened the confrontations between the European powers, and
made the outbreak of the First World War inevitable.
21
Conclusion:
• Conclude the arguments mentioned above and repeat how Kaiser William II's policies led to
the outbreak of WWI in 1914.
Think about it:

(1) Conclude Kaiser William II's policies
Kaiser William II promoted extreme nationalism , made extensive expansion
of the navy and army , brought about the fierce armament race ,
expanded colonies , and supported the advance of Austria-Hungary in the
Balkans to consolidate the Triple Alliance .
(2) Identify the relation between Kaiser William II's policies and the outbreak of WWI
Kaiser William II's policies worsened the relations among the European powers. A
regional crisis could escalate into a total war at any time. Eventually, the Sarajevo
Incident in 1914 became the immediate cause of the outbreak of the First
World War.

To conclude, Kaiser William II promoted extreme nationalism, made extensive expansion of the navy
and army, brought about the fierce armament race, expanded colonies, and supported the advance
of Austria-Hungary in the Balkans to consolidate the Triple Alliance. His policies worsened the relations
among the European powers. A regional crisis could escalate into a total war at any time. Eventually, the
Sarajevo Incident in 1914 became the immediate cause of the outbreak of First World War.
Max band to Range of

Criteria
be awarded marks
Showing a clear grasp of the significance of the question.
Balanced contents, with appropriate and effective use of A 14-15
relevant material.
Showing an awareness of the significance of the question.

Fairly balanced contents, with accurate use of relevant B/C 10-13
material.
Showing a general understanding of the question. Narrative

D/E 6-9
in presentation, and containing irrelevant or wrong material.
Showing inadequate understanding of the question.

E/F 3-5
Containing few relevant and important facts.
Showing little understanding of the question. Containing very

U 0-2
few relevant facts.
22
B The Second World War (1939-1945)
Topical
Exercises
I Legacy of the First World War (15 marks) Historical concept:
History is interpretation
Skills training: Inference
Data-based question
Source A The following cartoon was published during the Paris Peace Conference
in 1919.
Source B The following passage is adapted from a speech made by Hitler in 1923.
If you want to free yourselves from the 'obligation to provide reparations', you cannot
possibly do this by endless compliance. The only way is to have the strength of will to
one day tear up the Treaty of Versailles and in to develop instead the ability to defend
our nation and ultimately to attack its enemies.
(a) Which country did the man being held in Source A represent? Explain your answer. (3 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the hand holding the man.
Germany. In the cartoon, the man was held by a hand representing Britain, France, the US, Italy and
Japan. These countries were the victorious powers in the First World War. Germany was the defeated
power. This reflected that Germany was punished by the victorious powers at the Paris Peace
Conference.
23
(b) What was the view of the cartoonist of Source A on the Paris Peace Conference? Explain
your answer. (3 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the peace terms and the words of the powers.
The cartoonist thought that the terms of the Paris Peace Settlements were harsh. In the cartoon, the
man representing Germany was unable to swallow the 'peace terms'. Although he wanted to escape,
he was held by the big hand representing the victorious powers. The victorious powers stated that
Germany had to accept the 'peace terms' even he did not like them.
(c) What was the attitude of Hitler towards the Treaty of Versailles? Explain your answer with
reference to Source B. (3 marks)
Hitler's attitude towards the Treaty of Versailles was negative. As shown in Source B, Hitler thought
that the Germans should tear up the Treaty of Versailles so that they could free themselves from the
'obligation to provide reparations'.
(d) Explain why Hitler rose in Germany with reference to Sources A and B. (6 marks)
According to Source A, Germany was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles. The peace terms were
very harsh. The Germans were angered, and they wanted to take revenge. They blamed the republican
government for signing the treaty. Their discontent helped Hitler rise to power. According to Source B,
Hitler was a gifted speaker and a hero of the German people. He suggested tearing up the Treaty of
Versailles. This fulfilled Germans' desire, and Hitler won people's support.
Marks: /15
II Impact of the Great Depression

(16 marks) Historical concept: Cause and
effect, Similarity and difference
Data-based question
Source A The following passage is about the Great Depression.
In late October 1929, the stock market in Wall Street crashed. This disaster had
made the collapse of many European countries' economies. In 1931, French bankers
withdrew the loans lent to Austrian banks but the money was not enough to repay the
debts that France owed the US. To protect its economy, German bankers delayed
repaying the debts. This threatened the British bankers in Germany, who had great
investment in the country. The lack of capital led to the sharp decrease of export and
domestic consumption in all industrial countries. The lack of market made factories out
of business. Workers lost their jobs.
24
Source B The following cartoon is titled 'Rising sun of the US dollar'. It shows, in
the 1920s, the attitude of the Europeans towards the American loans and
investment.
Source C The following table shows the unemployment rates in Germany and Britain
during the period 1929-1932.
Year Germany Britain
1929 8.5% 11%
1930 14% 14.5%
1931 21.9% 21.5%
1932 29.9% 22%
(a) According to Source A, what impact did the crash of the stock market in Wall Street bring
to European countries? (3 marks)
European economies collapsed. In order to repay the American debts, France withdrew money lent to
Austria. Germany delayed the repayment of debts. This threatened the British economy. Export and
domestic consumption of various countries also decreased sharply. As a result, factories were closed
and workers lost their jobs.
(b) As shown in Source B, why did the Great Depression spread to Europe? (3 marks)
Think about it: What was the attitude of the Europeans towards the rising sun?
In Source B, there was the symbol of US dollar on the rising sun. The Europeans welcomed it by
upholding both hands. This reflected that many European countries relied much on the American loans
and investment during the 1920s. Therefore, when the Great Depression broke out in the US, European
countries were also affected.

25
(c) According to Source C, what were the similarities and differences between the trend of
unemployment rates in Germany and Britain during the period 1929-1932? (4 marks)
The unemployment rates in both Germany and Britain had been rising constantly and the rising ranges
between the two countries were close. However, the unemployment rate in Germany in 1932 still kept
rising sharply, while the unemployment rate in Britain became stabilised.
(d) How did the Great Depression help the rise of totalitarianism in Germany? Explain your
answer with reference to the Sources and using your own knowledge. (6 marks)
As shown in Sources A and B, the Great Depression led to the collapse of German economy. After
WWI, Germany relied much on the American loans and investment. When the American economy
collapsed, Germany was unable to repay the debts. Factories were shut down. This led to the constant
rise of unemployment rate in Germany during the period 1929-1932. In addition, the German people
blamed their republican government for being unable to solve the economic problems. Their discontent
with their government helped Adolf Hitler, who promised to abolish the Treaty of Versailles and adopt an
expansionist foreign policy, rise in Germany.

L1: Vague argument, ineffective in using both Sources and own knowledge. (max. 3)
L2: Reasonable and balanced argument, using both Sources and own knowledge. (max. 6)
Marks: /16
III Aggression of Italy (8 marks) Historical concept: History is

interpretation
Skills training: Critical thinking
Data-based question
The following cartoon, titled 'The man opening the lid', was published in October 1935. It is
about the Italian invasion of Abyssinia.
26
(a) Who is the man in the cartoon? (1 mark)
Mussolini.
(b) What was the view of the cartoonist on this man? Explain your answer. (3 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the action of this man.
The cartoonist thought that Mussolini destroyed the peace and made the world no longer stable. As
shown in the cartoon, Mussolini intentionally opened the lid and released the devil hiding inside the
earth. The cartoonist regarded the Italian invasion of Abyssinia as the start of a disaster.
(c) Do you agree with the view of the cartoonist? Explain your answer using the historical
facts between 1936 and 1939. (4 marks)
I agree. After the occupation of Abyssinia in 1936, Italy continued its invasion by invading Albania
in 1939. Besides, Italy formed the Berlin-Rome-Tokyo Axis with Germany and Japan in 1937. This
encouraged the Axis Powers to expand further, and pushed the world closer to war.
Marks: /8
IV Appeasement policy (12 marks) Historical concept: History

is interpretation
Data-based question
The following cartoon was published in 1938.
pe
Euro
Munm ich t
am b e r l a in en
Ch Agree
Added
concessions
'Shh-hh! He'll be quiet now – maybe!'

27
(a) Who did the baby in the cartoon represent? Cite two clues to support your answer.(3 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the baby's bed and the milk bottle in his hand.
Hitler. There was the symbol of Nazi Party on the baby's bed. 'Munich Agreement' was shown on the
baby's milk bottle. This was the agreement signed between Hitler and Britain.
(b) How did Chamberlain treat the baby? Which foreign policy did his action represent?
(4 marks)
Chamberlain was careful not to disturb Hitler. He told the woman representing Europe not to make any
noise. His action represented the appeasement policy of Britain. The appeasement policy was adopted
to meet the demands of the Axis Powers in order to prevent war.
(c) What was the view of the cartoonist towards the foreign policy you mentioned above?
Explain your answer. (5 marks)
The cartoonist thought that Britain was a coward. Chamberlain was shown as a babysitter who was
afraid of Hitler. The cartoonist also thought that the appeasement policy was a mistake. Chamberlain
said Hitler 'maybe' kept quiet. The word 'maybe' represents uncertainty. The cartoonist suspected that
Hitler would not be satisfied by Britain's concession and he would finally destroy the peace.
Marks: /12
V Breaking up of colonial
empire (15 marks) Historical concept: Cause and
consequence, Change and continuity
Data-based question
The following cartoon was published
in 1960. Places shown in this cartoon
were all former colonies or spheres of
influence of a country.
'There go my footholds ...'

28
(a) Which country did the lion in the cartoon represent? Explain your answer. (2 marks)
Britain. There is the national flag of Britain on the lion.
(b) What problem did the lion face? (3 marks)

The footholds representing Egypt, Sudan, Jordan and Cyprus are taken away from Britain. All these
places were former British colonies or spheres of influence. This showed that the colonial empire of
Britain began to break up. Many colonies and spheres of influence became independent.
(c) Explain the causes of the problem you mentioned in (b) using your own knowledge.
(4 marks)
WWII greatly weakened the power of Britain. It was unable to maintain its colonial empire. Also, many
Asian and African colonies determined to seek independence. As a result, many British colonies became
independent after WWII. This process was called decolonisation.
(d) What were the changes of the international situation after the Second World War? Explain
your answer with reference to the Source and using your own knowledge. (6 marks)
WWII greatly weakened the European powers. As shown in the cartoon, Britain failed to keep its
colonies and its colonial empire began to break up. Many former colonies became independent. In
addition, in my own knowledge, the US and the Soviet Union became the two superpowers. Once WWII
was over, they became very suspicious of each other. Gradually, most nations in the world were divided
into two blocs led by the US and the Soviet Union respectively. The Cold War began.
L1: Vague argument, ineffective in using both Source and own knowledge. (max. 3)
L2: Reasonable and balanced argument, using both Source and own knowledge. (max. 6)
Marks: /15
Comprehensive
1. Which of the following items were not impacts of the First World War on Germany and
Italy?
A. Inflation was high.
B. They had to pay huge indemnity.
C. People were unhappy with the Paris Peace Settlements.
B
D. Totalitarianism rose.
29
2. Which of the following items show correct causal relationship?
(1) France put harsh punishment on Germany in the Paris Peace Conference, so Germany
wanted to take revenge.
(2) Britain adopted an appeasement policy, so the Sudetenland was given to Germany.
(3) The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was signed, so Germany was encouraged to
march its troops into Poland.
(4) During the Great Depression, the US began to impose high tariffs on all foreign goods
to protect its local industries.
A. (1), (2), (3) B. (1), (2), (4)
D
C. (2), (3), (4) D. (1), (2), (3), (4)
3. Which of the following descriptions about Germany are correct?
(1) Germany had to bear the sole responsibility for the First World War.
(2) In 1933, Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany.
(3) The Great Depression helped Hitler rise.
(4) Germany remained independent and had no territorial loss after the Second World
War.
A. (1), (2), (3) B. (1), (3), (4)
A
C. (2), (3), (4) D. (1), (2), (3), (4)
4. Which of the following descriptions about the relations between different countries are
correct?
(1) Britain suggested harsh punishment on Germany in the Paris Peace Conference, so
British-German relations were bad.
(2) Germany, Italy and Japan formed a military alliance called the Berlin-Rome-Tokyo
Axis, so their relations were good.
(3) Germany ignored the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact and suddenly attacked the
Soviet Union in 1941, so the German-Soviet relations worsened.
(4) Japan suddenly attacked the American naval base in Pearl Harbor, so the American-
Japanese relations worsened.
A. (1), (2), (3) B. (1), (2), (4)
C
C. (2), (3), (4) D. (1), (2), (3), (4)
5. Which of the following event marked the beginning of the Second World War?
A. Germany invaded Poland.
B. Germany attacked the Soviet Union.
C. Germany invaded France.
A
D. Italy invaded Albania.
30 Marks: /5
Column A Column B (Event)

(Country / Region)
A. Japanese troops invaded this place on
1. New York 7 July 1937. China's War of Resistance
Against Japan, which was to last for eight
years, broke out.
2. Abyssinia B. Hitler became the Führer of this country in
1934.
3. Manzhouguo C. Japan killed 300,000 Chinese people in this
place.
4. The Sudetenland, D. By signing the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression
Czechoslovakia Pact, Germany and the Soviet Union agreed
to divide Poland between themselves.
5. Poland E. It was given to Germany by reaching the
Munich Agreement in 1938
6. Italy F. In 1929, the stock market in Wall Street
crashed.
7. Nanjing G. It was founded in 1932. Puyi from the
former Qing Dynasty became the puppet
emperor.
8. Germany H. It was invaded by Italian troops in 1935.
9. Marco Polo Bridge, I. Mussolini became the ruler of this country
Beiping in the 1920s.
10. Austria J. Germany annexed this place in 1938.
1. F 2. H 3. G 4. E 5. D
6. I 7. C 8. B 9. A 10. J
Hitler Mussolini Puyi
Marks: /10 31
Course of Incident
After the First World War, Germany was forced
to sign the Treaty of Versailles. The terms of the
treaty were very harsh. Germany had to pay
an indemnity of 6.6 billion British pounds. It
had to bear the sole responsibility for the First
World War. The Rhineland was demilitarised.
Moreover, Germany was badly hit by the Great
Depression. By early 1932, more than six
million people in Germany were unemployed.
Germany lost its national glory.
Mission
Using the identity of Hitler to carry out policies
that would ease the discontent of Germans and
enhance the international status of Germany.
Discontent of the Germans Your policies
Repairing the government's reputation: I c a n c a r r y o u t

1. The authority of
propaganda to promote the greatness of the Nazi rule and control
government was damaged.

people's mind through education.
Improving the economy: I can carry out a four-year plan

to develop the economy. Germany should ignore the Treaty of
2. The economy collapsed. Versailles and refuse to pay the indemnity. The Jews should
be banned from working in certain industries to lower the

unemployment rate.
Expanding the military: Germany should re-militarise the

3. Military development was
Rhineland and ignore disarmament.
restricted.

Raising international status: I will carry out foreign invasions.

4. Germany's international
My plan is to occupy Austria, the Sudetenland, the whole
status was low.

Czechoslovakia and Poland one by one.
(Suggested answer only. Marks should be awarded to any reasonable answers.)
32 Marks: /12
Down
1. October 1935, Italian troops invaded .
2. The camp that Britain and the US belonged to during the Second World War. (two words)
3. The new peacekeeping body set up after the Second World War. (two words)
4. 6 June 1944, the Allies landed at .
5. The form of totalitarianism rose in Italy before the Second World War.
6. Hitler's political ideas were known as .
Across
a. In February 1945, the Allied Powers discussed the post-war settlements in the .
(two words)
b. The date of the Allies landing at Normandy was known as the . (two words)
c. Both Germany and Italy were dissatisfied with the Treaty of Versailles signed in
the . (three words)
d. In April 1939, Italy invaded .
e. The stock market in , New York, crashed in October 1929. (two words)
f. The peacekeeping body set up after the First World War. (three words)
aY 1A L T A C O N F E R E N C E
B 5F
bD D A Y 4N A
S 3U O S
cP 2A R I S P E A C E C O N F E R E N C E
L I I M I
dA L B A N I A T A S
I I E N M
E A D D
D N Y
P A 6N
O eW A L L S T R E E T A
W I Z
E O I
R fL E A G U E O F N A T I O N S
S S M
Marks: /12 33
1. After the First World War, Britain became the largest creditor in the world.
2. The property market in the US crashed and this turned into the Great Depression.
3. The invasions carried out by Hitler in the 1930s mainly focused on Eastern Europe.
4. The Nazis adopted a genocide policy towards the Slavs.
5. Both the Fascist Party and the Nazi Party strictly controlled the mind of the people.
6. Japanese militarists aimed at building a Japanese empire in the Atlantic region.
7. Since the Great Depression broke out, the US adopted isolationism to avoid getting
involved in the European affairs.
8. In 1945, the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Osaka.
9. During the Second World War, the most destructive of new weapons was the laser.
10. After the Second World War, in the places of Britain and France came two
superpowers: the United States and the Soviet Union.
1. 8 the US
2. 8 stock
3. 3
4. 8 Jews
5. 3
6. 8 Pacific
7. 3
8. 8 Nagasaki
9. 8 atomic bomb
10. 3
34 Marks: /10
Changes of the great powers after the Second World War
Country 1920s-1930s After the Second World War
• Hitler rose to power and practised • Its military strength was much
Nazism . weaker .
Germany • It adopted expansionist policy. • Its economy was heavily damaged.
• It formed an alliance with Italy and • It was divided into West Germany
Japan. and East Germany .
• Mussolini rose to power and

practised Fascism . • Its Military strength was much
Italy • It adopted expansionist policy. weaker.
• It formed an alliance with Germany and • Its economy was heavily damaged .
Japan.
militarism • Its military strength was much

• It practised .
weaker.
• It adopted expansionist policy. US
Japan • It was occupied by the .
• It formed an alliance with Germany and
• I t f o c u s e d o n e c o n o m i c
Italy.
development.
• Its economy further collapsed.

• It tried to recover the economy.
• Its colonial empire began to break
Britain • It adopted an appeasement policy in
u p . M a n y colonies b e c a m e
order to prevent war.
independent.
• Its economy further collapsed .

• It tried to recover the economy.
• It s c o lo n ia l e mpire be g a n t o
France • It adopted an appeasement policy in
break up. Many colonies became
order to prevent war.
independent.
• It became a superpower .
• It was the largest producer and
• I t b e c a m e t h e l e a d e r o f t h e
The US creditor in the world. capitalist bloc against the
• It adopted isolationism .
Soviet Union.
• It was a socialist country adopting

totalitarianism. • It became a superpower.
The capitalist
• It was isolated by the • I t b e c a m e t h e l e a d e r o f t h e
Soviet communist bloc
countries. against the
Union Nazi-Soviet Non-
• It signed the US.
Aggression Pact with Germany.
Marks: /22 35
Source A The following cartoon was published in 1939.
Source B The following cartoon was published in 1941.

Pact
ssion
e
Aggr
Non-
36
Source C T h e f o l l o w i n g m a p
shows Germany and the
neighbouring countries on
the eve of the Second World
War. Soviet
East Union
Prussia
Germany Poland
German territories
(a) According to Source A, what was the relationship between Germany and the Soviet Union?
They were allies and had a close relationship. In Source A, the two countries were sleeping on the same
bed and showed aggression to the girl representing Poland. They intended to eat her. This showed that
the two countries agreed to divide Poland between themselves.
(b) Why did Germany and the Soviet Union maintain this relationship? Explain your answer
with reference to Source C. (4 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to Germany and its territory, East Prussia.
Germany was geographically separated from its territory, East Prussia. Therefore, Germany needed to
invade Poland to make itself connected with East Prussia. On the other hand, Poland was just next to
the Soviet Union. Germany feared that its invasion of Poland would be checked by the Soviet Union.
Therefore, Germany had to ally with the Soviet Union in advance.
(c) What was the view of the cartoonist of Source A on the situation of Poland? Explain your
answer. (3 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the images of Germany, the Soviet Union and Poland.
The cartoonist thought that Poland was in crisis. It would soon be divided by Germany and the Soviet
Union. The cartoonist depicted Poland as a little girl, Germany as a wolf and the Soviet Union as a bear.
Poland would not be able to resist the invasion of Germany and the Soviet Union.
37
(d) What was the change of the German-Soviet relationship in 1941? Explain your answer with
reference to Source B. (4 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to how Hitler treated Stalin.
The German-Soviet relationship changed from being friend to enemy of each other. In Source B, Stalin,
the Soviet leader, was holding the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact. Stalin and Hitler hugged each
other. This showed that they were once friends. However, Hitler suddenly stabbed Stalin's back. This
represented the German attack on the Soviet Union in 1941. The two countries became enemies.
(e) 'The relationship between Germany and the Soviet Union was built upon interests' Do you
agree? Explain your answer with reference to the Sources and using your own knowledge.
(7 marks)
I agree. As shown in Sources A and C, Germany hoped to invade Poland that was next to the Soviet
Union. Therefore, Germany established a friendly relationship with the Soviet Union by signing the Nazi-
Soviet Non-Aggression Pact. Germany could then invade Poland without worries. In my own knowledge,
Germany succeeded in invading Poland. Therefore, the Soviet Union had no use to Germany by then.
According to Source B, Germany thought that the year of 1941 was a good chance to attack the Soviet
Union. Therefore, Germany ignored the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact and attacked the Soviet
Union. We can conclude that the German-Soviet relationship was built upon interests. When the Soviet
Union had no use to Germany, Germany gave up the friendly relationship with it.
Source A The following passage is adapted from a speech made by an American

Senator in August 1919.
We have US interests to guard in Asia and the Pacific. The less we act as judge in
Europe, the better. I must think of America first. The US is the world's best hope. If you
put it into the quarrels of other nations, you will destroy its power for good.
38
Source B The following passage is adapted from a speech made by President
Roosevelt of the US on 8 December 1941.
Yesterday, 7 December 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the US was suddenly
and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The US
was at peace with that nation and, at the invitation of Japan, was still in conversation
with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the
Pacific. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage
to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In
addition, American ships have been reported destroyed on the high seas between San
Francisco and Honolulu.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the attack by Japan on Sunday, 7 December,
a state of war has existed between the US and the Japanese Empire.
Source C The following cartoon was published after the US had joined the Second
World War. It was titled 'Wait some more time for the child to grow up'.
D
& av
gia the id …
nt ki DavAnd
ll
gian d thid
e
t… e
39
(a) According to Source A, which foreign policy did the US adopt after the First World War?
Isolationism. According to Source A, the US had to protect its interests in Asia and the Pacific. It did not
want to get involved in the European affairs. The US thought that its power would be harmed if it was
put into the quarrels of other nations.
(b) Why did the Japanese attack in 1941 change the foreign policy of the US? Explain your
answer with reference to Source B. (3 marks)
The Japanese attack on the US destroyed the peace in the Pacific. Therefore, the US could no longer
avoid getting involved in the European affairs. It gave up isolationism. It declared war on Japan and
fought the Axis Powers with the European countries.
(c) According to Source C, which camp in the Second World War did the cartoonist think was
stronger? Explain your answer. (3 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the giant and the child in the cartoon.
The Axis Powers. The cartoonist depicted the Axis Powers as a giant with three heads, who was
holding advanced weapons, such as tank and warship. However, the Allied Powers were depicted as
a child holding a simple stone shooter. The cartoonist clearly thought that the Axis Powers were much
stronger than the Allied Powers.
(d) What prediction did the cartoonist of Source C make? Explain your answer. (5 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the book in the cartoon and the title of the cartoon.
The cartoonist thought that the Allied Powers would reverse the trend of war after 1942 and defeat
the Axis Powers. The book in Source C was about the story of David defeating the giant. Therefore,
the cartoonist thought that the child representing the Allied Powers would finally defeat the giant
representing the Axis Powers. The cartoon was titled 'Wait some more time for the child to grow up'.
The cartoonist thought that it was only the matter of time for the Allied Powers to gain the upper hand in
the war.
40
(e) Do you think that 1942 was a turning point of the Second World War? Explain your answer
with reference to the Sources and using your own knowledge. (6 marks)
Yes. The US joined the Allied Powers in 1942, and this made the Allied Powers start to gain the upper
hand. According to Source A, the US adopted isolationism after the First World War. As shown in
Sources B and C, the US changed from being neutral to joining the Allied Powers after the Japanese
attack in 1941. The participation of the US strengthened the Allied Powers, and helped the Allied
Powers gain final victory. In my own knowledge, the Axis Powers kept losing ground in Europe and Asia
after the US had joined the Allied Powers. On 8 and 9 August 1945, the United States dropped atomic
bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki of Japan respectively. Japan declared unconditional surrender. The
Allied Powers finally won the Second World War.
Marks: /41
41
How did the Treaty of Versailles lead to the outbreak of

the Second World War?
Answer Tips
1. Pay attention to 'the Treaty of Versailles', 'the Second World War' and 'How'.
2. Understand the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on the outbreak of the Second World
War.
3. In the political aspect, how did the negative impact brought by the Treaty of Versailles on
Germany lead to the outbreak of the Second World War?
4. In the economic aspect, how did the negative impact brought by the Treaty of Versailles
on Germany lead to the outbreak of the Second World War?
5. In the diplomatic aspect, how did the negative impact brought by the Treaty of Versailles
on Germany lead to the outbreak of the Second World War?
Introduction:
• Briefly introduce the Treaty of Versailles and point out how it led to the outbreak of the Second
World War.
Think about it:

1. Germany was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles in the Paris Peace
Conference after the First World War.
2. The terms of the Treaty of Versailles were very harsh . Politically, people blamed
their republican government for having signed the treaty. Economically, Germany
faced serious economic problems by signing the treaty. Diplomatically, the treaty
made Germany lose its national glory.
3. The Germans' discontent with the treaty helped Adolf Hitler rise to power.
4. Hitler followed an expansionist policy to restore national glory of the Germans.
This finally led to the outbreak of the Second World War.

Germany was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles in the Paris Peace Conference after the First World
War. The terms of the Treaty of Versailles were very harsh. Politically, people blamed their republican
government for having signed the treaty. Economically, Germany faced serious economic problems
by signing the treaty. Diplomatically, the treaty made Germany lose its national glory. The Germans'
discontent with the treaty helped Adolf Hitler rise to power. Hitler followed an expansionist policy to
restore national glory of the Germans. This finally led to the outbreak of the Second World War.

42
Main text 1:
• Point out politically how the negative impact brought by the Treaty of Versailles on Germany
led to the outbreak of the Second World War.
Think about it:

(1) Topic sentence
Q: In the political aspect, how did the Germans feel about the Treaty of Versailles?
A: In the political aspect, the Germans' discontent with the Treaty of Versailles
helped Adolf Hitler rise to power . This finally led to the outbreak of the Second
World War.
(2) Explanation
Q: Why did the Treaty of Versailles make the Germans have this feeling?
A: Germany was a defeated power of the First World War . France suggested
harsh punishment on Germany. Therefore, the terms of the Treaty of Versailles were very harsh on
Germany . This angered the Germans.
(3) Examples
Q: List examples from the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which angered the Germans
in the political aspect.
A: According to the Treaty of Versailles, Germany had to pay a huge indemnity and give
up many territories . It also had to bear the sole responsibility for the First World
War though Germany was only one of the defeated powers . Although
the terms of the treaty were very harsh on Germany, the republican government of
Germany signed the treaty . People blamed the government for having signed
the treaty . The German's discontent with their government helped

Hitler rise to power. Hitler promised to break the terms of the Treaty of Versailles .
This led to the outbreak of the Second World War.
Put the points above into a paragraph with a connective at the beginning:
Firstly, in the political aspect, the Germans' discontent with the Treaty of Versailles helped Adolf Hitler
rise to power. This finally led to the outbreak of the Second World War. Germany was a defeated power
of the First World War. France suggested harsh punishment on Germany. Therefore, the terms of the
Treaty of Versailles were very harsh on Germany. This angered the Germans. According to the Treaty
43
of Versailles, Germany had to pay a huge indemnity and give up many territories. It also had to bear
the sole responsibility for the First World War though Germany was only one of the defeated powers.
Although the terms of the treaty were very harsh on Germany, the republican government of Germany
signed the treaty. People blamed the government for having signed the treaty. The German's discontent
with their government helped Hitler rise to power. Hitler promised to break the terms of the Treaty of
Versailles. This led to the outbreak of the Second World War. As shown above, in the political aspect,
the Treaty of Versailles angered the Germans, and this finally led to the rise of Hitler and the outbreak of
the Second World War.
44
Main text 2:
• Point out economically how the negative impact brought by the Treaty of Versailles on
Germany led to the outbreak of the Second World War.
Think about it:

(1) Topic sentence
Q: In the economic aspect, how did the Germans feel about the Treaty of Versailles?
A: In the economic aspect, the Germans' discontent with the Treaty of Versailles
helped Adolf Hitler rise to power.
(2) Explanation
A: As a defeated power, Germany had to pay huge indemnity to the victorious powers
. However, the terms of the Treaty of Versailles were very harsh

on Germany. This made Germany face serious economic problems and angered the
Germans .
(3) Examples
Q: Give examples from the terms of the Treaty of Versailles that angered the Germans in
the economic aspect.
A: According to the Treaty of Versailles, Germany had to pay an indemnity of 6.6 billion
British pounds, which was not affordable for Germany . Germany had
to give the mining right of the Saar to France and give up all its overseas
colonies . The huge indemnity and territorial loss led to the collapse
of German economy. Millions of people were out of work. Inflation was serious. Life was very hard
. Therefore, people blamed their republican government

for being unable to solve the economic problems . The German's discontent
with their government helped Hitler, who promised to solve the economic problems
and improve people's lives , rise to power. This finally led to the outbreak of
the Second World War.
Secondly, in the economic aspect, the Germans' discontent with the Treaty of Versailles helped Adolf
Hitler rise to power. As a defeated power, Germany had to pay huge indemnity to the victorious powers.
However, the terms of the Treaty of Versailles were very harsh on Germany. This made Germany face
45
serious economic problems and angered the Germans. According to the Treaty of Versailles, Germany
had to pay an indemnity of 6.6 billion British pounds, which was not affordable for Germany. Germany
had to give the mining right of the Saar to France and give up all its overseas colonies. The huge
indemnity and territorial loss led to the collapse of German economy. Millions of people were out of
work. Inflation was serious. Life was very hard. Therefore, people blamed their republican government
for being unable to solve the economic problems. The German's discontent with their government
helped Hitler, who promised to solve the economic problems and improve people's lives, rise to power.
This finally led to the outbreak of the Second World War. As shown above, in the economic aspect, the
Treaty of Versailles angered the Germans, and this finally led to the rise of Hitler and the outbreak of the
Second World War.
46
Main text 3:
• Point out diplomatically how the negative impact brought by the Treaty of Versailles on
Germany led to the outbreak of the Second World War.
Think about it:

(1) Topic sentence
Q: In the diplomatic aspect, how did the Germans feel about the Treaty of Versailles?
A: In foreign aspect, the Germans' discontent with the Treaty of Versailles
helped Adolf Hitler rise to power.
(2) Explanation
A: The terms of the Treaty of Versailles were very harsh on Germany. The treaty made
Germany lose its national glory . This angered the Germans.
(3) Examples
Q: List examples from the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which angered the Germans
in the foreign aspect.
A: According to the Treaty of Versailles, the land of Germany was divided into two.
The Sudetenland was given to Czechoslovakia. The Rhineland was demilitarised .
The Germans felt humiliated. They wanted to take revenge and to restore their
national glory . This helped Hitler, who promised to claim back the lost
German territories by foreign invasions , rise to power and finally led to the
outbreak of the Second World War.
Lastly, in the diplomatic aspect, the Germans' discontent with the Treaty of Versailles helped Adolf Hitler
rise to power. The terms of the Treaty of Versailles were very harsh on Germany. In foreign aspect, the
treaty made Germany lose its national glory. This angered the Germans. According to the Treaty of
Versailles, the land of Germany was divided into two. The Sudetenland was given to Czechoslovakia.
The Rhineland was demilitarised. The Germans felt humiliated. They wanted to take revenge and to
restore their national glory. This helped Hitler, who promised to claim back the lost German territories
by foreign invasions, rise to power and finally led to the outbreak of the Second World War. As shown
above, in the diplomatic aspect, the Treaty of Versailles angered the Germans, which finally led to the
rise of Hitler and the outbreak of the Second World War.

47
Conclusion:
• Conclude the arguments mentioned above and repeat that the Treaty of Versailles led to the
Think about it:

(1) State that the Treaty of Versailles had negative impact on Germany in different aspects.
The terms of the Treaty of Versailles were very harsh on Germany. Politically,
people blamed their republican government for having signed the treaty.
Economically, Germany faced serious economic problems by signing the treaty.
Diplomatically, the treaty made Germany lose its national glory .
(2) Point out the relationship between the Treaty of Versailles and the outbreak of the
Second World War.
The Germans were discontent with the Treaty of Versailles. This helped
Hitler rise to power. Hitler followed an expansionist foreign policy to restore
national glory of the Germans . This finally led to the outbreak of the Second World War.
In conclusion, the terms of the Treaty of Versailles were very harsh on Germany. Politically, people
blamed their republican government for having signed the treaty. Economically, Germany faced serious
economic problems by signing the treaty. Diplomatically, the treaty made Germany lose its national
glory. The Germans were discontent with the Treaty of Versailles. This helped Hitler rise to power. Hitler
followed an expansionist foreign policy to restore national glory of the Germans. This finally led to the

Criteria
be awarded marks
relevant material.

material.

D/E 6-9

E/F 3-5

U 0-2
few relevant facts.
48
C The Cold War (1946-1991)
Topical
Exercises
I Marshall Plan (14 marks) Historical concept: History is
interpretation
Data-based question
The following cartoon was published in 1948.
Truman Company
Marshall
Plan
F I NL A D AKIA
N
CZECHOSLOV
ROMANIA
YUGOSLAVIA
BULGARIA
(a) Which country did the woman holding an umbrella represent in the cartoon? Explain your
answer. (2 marks)
She represented the Soviet Union. She looked like Stalin, the Soviet leader.
(b) Which bloc did the girls following the woman belong to? How did the girls react to the
'Marshall Plan' dress in the Truman Company? (4 marks)
The girls following the woman belonged to the communist bloc. The girls at the front of the queue did
not dare to look at the 'Marshall Plan' dress as the Soviet Union was right in front of them. The girls at
the back of the queue were attracted by the dress and they rushed to have a look through the window.
This showed that the communist countries also wanted to join the Marshall Plan.
49
(c) How did the woman prevent the girls from going to the Truman Company? Explain your
answer using your own knowledge. (3 marks)
The Soviet Union introduced the Molotov Plan to provide the communist countries in Eastern Europe
with its own financial aid. This was to oppose the Marshall Plan and to strengthen the ties among the
communist countries.
(d) Where, Western Europe or Eastern Europe, was the cartoon published? Explain your
answer with reference to the cartoon. (5 marks)
Think about it: How did the cartoonist depict the Marshall Plan and the clothes of the girls?
Western Europe. The cartoonist depicted the Marshall Plan as a beautiful dress while the clothes of the
Eastern European countries were plain and old. Also, the Soviet Union was aware of Eastern European
countries' desire to join the Marshall Plan. Therefore, the cartoon should be published in Western
Europe. The cartoonist had a positive attitude towards the Marshall Plan and criticised the Soviet Union.
L1: Vague answer, unable to effectively refer to the Source. (max. 2)
L2: Comprehensive answer, able to effectively refer to the Source. (max. 5)
Marks: /14
II Blockade of Berlin (13 marks) Historical concept: History is

interpretation
Skills training: Inference,
Data-based question Expression of empathy
The following British cartoon was published in 1948. It is

about the Berlin Blockade.
50
(a) Which country did the three men represent in the cartoon? Explain your answer. (3 marks)
The Soviet Union. In the cartoon, they closed all road and rail traffic to Berlin. In June 1948, the Soviet
Union stopped all traffic to the Western zones of Berlin. This was the Berlin Blockade.
(b) Why did the three men blockade Berlin? (3 marks)

The Soviet Union wanted to control the whole city of Berlin to check the capitalist bloc.
(c) What was the view of the cartoonist on the blockade carried out by the three men?(3 marks)
Think about it: Did they succeed in blockading Berlin?
The cartoonist thought that the blockade was a failure. In the cartoon, the men succeeded in closing the
road and rail traffic to Berlin but failed in catching the planes flying to Berlin with net. This showed that
the Western European countries could fly to Berlin.
(d) Do you agree with the cartoonist's view? Explain your answer using your own knowledge.
(4 marks)
I agree with the cartoonist's view. Britain, France and the US sent supplies to their zones in Berlin by air.
They even joined their zones together to form West Berlin in late 1948. To avoid war with the Western
powers, the Soviet Union reopened all traffic to West Berlin in May 1949. The blockade was over.
Marks: /13
III Capitalist military organisation Historical concept: History is

(15 marks) interpretation
Skills training: Inference,
Data-based question Critical thinking
Source A The following passage is adapted from the North Atlantic Treaty.
The parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or in
North America shall be considered as an attack against them all. They agree that if
such an armed attack occurs, each of them will assist the party or parties to attack.
Each will immediately take whatever action it considers necessary to restore and
maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. It will, if necessary, use armed force.
51
Source B The following Soviet cartoon, titled 'A dangerous show of the NATO
circus', was published in 1958. The lion and the rooster represent Britain
and France respectively. The man on the right represents the US.
(a) Why was the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) established? Explain your answer
with reference to Source A. (3 marks)
It was established to defend Western countries against Soviet attacks and to ensure the security of
the North Atlantic area. As shown in Source A, if any member state of NATO was attacked, the others
would assist it to make a counterattack.
(b) What was the view of the cartoonist of Source B on NATO? Explain your answer with
reference to the cartoon. (5 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to how the cartoonist depicted the US, Britain and France.
The cartoonist thought that NATO was a trick played by the US on Britain and France, and it threatened
the world peace. As shown in Source B, the US regarded Britain and France as animals in the NATO
circus and they followed the commands of the US. The cartoonist thought that Britain and France were
controlled by the US through NATO. In addition, the US ordered Britain and France to play with atomic
and hydrogen bombs. This scenario was in accordance with the title of the cartoon, 'a dangerous
show'. The cartoonist thought that NATO might lead to a large-scale war.
52
(c) Did the cartoonist of Source B have bias? Explain your answer with reference to Sources A
and B, and using your own knowledge. (7 marks)
Think about it: Does the cartoon reflect the true situation during the Cold War?
The cartoonist of Source B had bias. The cartoonist described Britain and France as puppets controlled
by the US. However, there was fear of communism among capitalist countries. Britain and France
actually joined NATO by their own will. The cartoonist also thought that NATO would threaten the world
peace. However, as shown in Source A, NATO would only launch military operations when an armed
attack against a member state occurred. NATO was a collective defense agreement. In addition, Source
B showed the Soviet view on NATO. There was confrontation between the capitalist bloc and the
communist bloc led by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. A Soviet cartoon like Source B certainly
contained bias against the US and NATO.

Marks: /15
Comprehensive
1. Which of the following countries became a superpower after the Cold War?
A. Russia
B. Britain
C. The United States
C
D. China
2. Which of the following descriptions about the characteristics of the Cold War are correct?
(1) Both sides carried out a lot of spying activities.
(2) Both sides widely used propaganda to promote their own ideology.
(3) Large-scale fighting broke out.
(4) Both sides competed in building armaments.
A. (1), (2), (3) B. (1), (2), (4)
B
C. (2), (3), (4) D. (1), (2), (3), (4)
53
3. Which of the following items strengthened the ties between the capitalist countries?
(1) The Marshall Plan
(2) The Molotov Plan
(3) The European Community
(4) The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
A. (1), (2), (3) B. (1), (3), (4)
B
C. (2), (3), (4) D. (1), (2), (3), (4)
4. Which of the following descriptions about the Cuban Missile Crisis are correct?
(1) Cuba was friendly with the US.
(2) The Soviet Union was building nuclear missile bases in Cuba.
(3) The US ordered a naval blockade of Cuba.
(4) The Soviet Union agreed to remove the missiles from Cuba.
A. (1), (2), (3) B. (1), (2), (4)
C
C. (2), (3), (4) D. (1), (2), (3), (4)
5. Which of the following items were the reasons for the Cold War to ease?
(1) The Cuban Missile Crisis caused great loss in the United States and the Soviet Union.
(2) The US paid a high price in the Vietnam War.
(3) The US and the Soviet Union worked to improve communication between them.
(4) The Sino-Japanese relations and the Chinese-American relations started to improve.
A. (1), (2), (3) B. (1), (2), (4)
C
C. (2), (3), (4) D. (1), (2), (3), (4)
6. Which of the following descriptions about the impacts brought by the policies of Mikhail
Gorbachev are correct?
(1) The Soviet relations with the US were improved.
(2) The Soviet control over the communist countries in Eastern Europe was relaxed.
(3) Political and economic reforms were carried out in the Soviet Union.
(4) The dictatorship of the Communist Party was strengthened.
A. (1), (2), (3) B. (1), (2), (4)
A
C. (2), (3), (4) D. (1), (2), (3), (4)
54 Marks: /6
Column A (People) Column B (Event)

1. Mikhail Gorbachev A. He made the 'Iron Curtain Speech'.
2. Richard Nixon B. He proposed to provide economic and
military aid to the Middle East region.
3. Zhou Enlai C. He carried out political and economic
reforms in the Soviet Union.
4. Dwight Eisenhower D. He ordered a naval blockade of Cuba to
stop further shipment of nuclear missiles
from the Soviet Union.
5. John Kennedy E. He announced the establishment of the
People's Republic of China.
6. Mao Zedong F. He proposed a plan to give financial help to
the European countries.
7. Harry Truman G. He announced that the United States would
help any country that felt threatened by
communism.
8. Winston Churchill H. He became the President of Russia after
the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
9. Boris Yeltsin I. He received the American table tennis
team.
10. George Marshall J. He visited the People's Republic of China in
1972.
1. C 2. J 3. I 4. B 5. D
6. E 7. G 8. A 9. H 10. F
John Kennedy George Marshall Winston Churchill
Marks: /10 55
Course of Incident
In 1962, the US found that the Soviet
Union was building nuclear missile bases
in Cuba. President Kennedy of the US
ordered a naval blockade of Cuba to stop
further shipment of nuclear missiles from
the Soviet Union. At that time, tension
between the two superpowers was
high. A nuclear war was about to break
out. Finally, the Soviet Union agreed to
remove the missiles from Cuba.
Mission
Using the identity of Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet leader, write a letter to President
Kennedy to explain your decision and suggest making improvement on the relations with
the US. Your letter should not be less than 100 words.
Letter to the President of the US

President Kennedy,
The crisis in Cuba has lasted two weeks since its outbreak. The world is scared of the
possible outbreak of a nuclear war. The development of this crisis depends completely on
our decisions. If both of us are not willing to give in, no one will be benefited. Therefore, I am
willing to compromise by removing the missiles from Cuba in exchange for the US lifting the
naval blockade of Cuba. I also hope that the tension between us can be eased by making these
compromises. I hope to have a chance to discuss the issue of ending the armaments race between
us. I am looking forward to your prompt response.
First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union
Nikita Khrushchev
(Suggested answer only. Marks should be awarded to any reasonable answers.)
56 Marks: /8
Down
1. In April 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty was signed in . (three words)
2. In 1946, the Chinese Civil War broke out between the and the communists.
3. The won the Chinese Civil War.
4. The Soviet Union introduced the to provide communist countries in Eastern
Europe with its own financial aid. (two words)
5. In 1999, NATO took military actions to end the civil war in .
6. promotes the state ownership of all means of production.
Across
a. In 1975, unified the whole country under communist rule. (two words)
b. The Prime Minister of Britain who made the 'Iron Curtain Speech'. (two words)
c. The US gave up and countered the Soviet influence after 1945.
d. The Soviet Union formed the after West Germany joined NATO in 1955. (two words)
e. The US and its allies started a war against Iraq to stop it from annexing in 1991.
f. President Truman announced that the US would help any country that felt threatened by
communism. This became known as the . (two words)
a 2N O R T H V I E T N A 4M
A O 5Y 6C
1
bW I N S T O N C H U R C H I L L U O
A I O G M
S O cI S O L A T I O N I S M
H N O S U
I dW A R S A W P A 3C T V L N
N L O P A I
G I M L V S
T S M A I M
O T U N A
N S N
D eK U W A I T
C S
fT R U M A N D O C T R I N E
Marks: /12 57
1. The Cold War refers to the confrontation between the capitalist bloc and the
communist bloc after the Korean War to 1991.
2. During the Cold War, the capitalist bloc included the United States and Western
European countries. The communist bloc was led by China and included the
Eastern European countries.
3. Winston Churchill announced that there would be help to any country that felt
threatened by communism.
4. During the Berlin Blockade, Britain, France and the United States sent suppliers to
their zones by air.
5. In 1955, the Soviet Union and the Eastern European countries (including East
Germany) formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation to oppose the capitalist
bloc.
6. The Korean War lasted three years. Today, Korea remains divided as it was in
o
1950. It was divided into two parts along the latitude 17 N.
7. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, a nuclear war was about to broke out.
8. The United States sent a large number of soldiers to the Vietnam War. It also
started bombing South Vietnam.
9. In 1963, a direct telephone line was set up between the United States and the
Soviet leaders.
10. Reagan carried out political and economic reforms in the Soviet Union.
1. 8 Second World War
2. 8 the Soviet Union
3. 8 Truman
4. 3
5. 8 Warsaw Pact
6. 8 38°
7. 3
8. 8 North Vietnam
9. 3
10. 8 Mikhail Gorbachev
58 Marks: /10
Confrontation between the capitalist bloc and the communist bloc

during the Cold War
Capitalist bloc Communist bloc
• It promoted a free economy and private

ownership of the means of production.
• Capitalist gover nments practised
democracy.
• It promoted a planned economy
• W inston Churchill stated that the
Ideologies
and the state ownership of all

Soviet Union was trying to separate,
means of production.
with an Iron Curtain , the communist
• Communist governments practise
countries in Eastern Europe from the totalitarian rule.
West.
• Truman Doctrine was announced
to help countries under the threat of
communism.
• The US proposed the Marshall Plan

co-operation
• The Soviet Union introduced the

to give financial help to the European
Economic
Molotov Plan to provide the

countries. Eastern European countries with
• E u ro p e a n c o u n t r i e s f o r m e d t h e
European Community financial aid.
in 1967.
Military actions
• The US and other Western countries • T h e S o v i e t U n i o n a n d E a s t e r n

formed the North Atlantic Treaty European countries formed the
Organisation . Warsaw Pact .
• The US ordered a naval blockade of • The Soviet Union built nuclear
Cuba . bases in Cuba.
• The Soviet Union carried out the

• Britain, France and the US sent
air Berlin Blockade.
supplies to their zones by
• East Germany built the Berlin Wall
during the Berlin Blockade.
to stop its people from moving to
Local conflicts
• In the early 1950s, the US supported

West Germany.
the nationalist government in Taiwan.
• In the early 1950s, China befriended
• U N f o rc e s , u n d e r t h e A m e r i c a n
South Korea the Soviet Union.
leadership, helped in North
• China sent military aid to
the Korean War. Korea
South .
• The US sent soldiers to help
Vietnam • T h e S o v i e t U n i o n s u p p o r t e d
in the Vietnam War. North Vietnam in the Vietnam War.
Marks: /23 59
Source A An American cartoon Source B The budget of the US,

published in 1970 1940-1990
18%
32%
82% 68%
1940 1950
24%
48% 52%
76%
1960 1990
National defence
Other programme
(a) Identify the reason for the US and the Soviet Union to hold the Strategic Arms Limitation
Talks (SALT) with reference to Source A. (3 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the people lying on the ground in the cartoon.
Both the US and the Soviet Union spent a lot of resources on developing nuclear weapons. The
heavy cost was shouldered by the taxpayers. In order to lessen the burden of their people and lower
the military expenditure, the two superpowers held SALT to reduce their missile systems and nuclear
weapons.
60
(b) According to Source B, what were the changes of the US budget on national defence
during the period 1940-1990? (3 marks)
The percentage of the US budget on national defence kept rising during the period 1940-1960. It rose
from 18% to 52%. However, the percentage started to fall from 1960. In 1990, it even dropped to 24%,
which was similar to the level of 1940.
(c) Explain the reasons for the changes of the US budget on national defence with reference to
Source A. (4 marks)
As shown in Source A, the US and the Soviet Union competed in producing armaments during the Cold
War. As a result, the US budget on national defence kept rising during the period 1940-1960. Starting
from 1970, the two superpowers held SALT to reduce their missile systems and nuclear weapons.
Therefore, the US budget on national defence began to fall continuously. In 1990, it even dropped to the
pre-Cold War level.
(d) Does Source A adequately explain the reasons for the changes of the US budget on national
defence? Explain your answer using your own knowledge. (4 marks)
Adequately / Inadequately
Source A does not show that the US helped South Korea in the Korean War and even sent troops
to directly intervene in the Vietnam War. These military actions led to the increase of the US national
defence expenditure. Source A also fails to show that the reforms carried out by Mikhail Gorbachev
helped end the Cold War in the 1990s. This led to the decrease of the US national defence expenditure.
L1: Vague answer, ineffective in using own knowledge. (max. 2)
L2: Balanced answer, effective in using own knowledge. (max. 4)
Source A The following passage is adapted from a speech made by a Soviet

leader.
At this time ... the Communist Party will now allow people to express their own opinions
and promote the policy of openness, because this is better for democracy and the
people.
61
Source B The following cartoon was published in 1988.
Source C The following cartoon was published in August 1991.
(a) Who was the Soviet leader in Source A? Cite one clue to support your answer. (2 marks)
Mikhail Gorbachev. He carried out reforms and allowed people to have their own opinions.
62
(b) What was the view of the cartoonist of Source B on this Soviet leader? Explain your
answer. (3 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the iceberg.
The cartoonist thought that Gorbachev's reforms would make the Soviet Union suffer. In the cartoon,
Gorbachev was sailing the boat 'REFORM' but it crashed into the iceberg. This showed that his reforms
were not successful and made the Soviet Union plunge into hardship.
(c) Which historical incident does Source C refer to? Explain your answer with reference to
Source C and using your own knowledge. (3 marks)
Think about it: Pay attention to the broken symbol.
The dissolution of the Soviet Union. In the cartoon, Gorbachev was standing behind the broken symbol
of communism. This showed that the Soviet Union no longer existed. Also, the publishing year of the
cartoon was the same as the year of the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
(d) Did the cartoonist of Source B make accurate prediction on the result of the Soviet reforms?
Explain your answer with reference to the Sources and using your own knowledge.
(6 marks)
Yes. Gorbachev carried out political reforms in the Soviet Union. He ended the dictatorship of the
Communist Party. He relaxed the Soviet control over the communist countries in Eastern Europe, and
reduced the number of Soviet troops stationed there. In 1991, many republics within the Soviet Union
declared their independence. Together, they formed the Commonwealth of Independent States. The
Soviet Union no longer existed. The cartoonist thought that Gorbachev's reforms would lead the Soviet
Union to crisis. This view was in accordance with the historical facts.
L1: Vague answer, ineffective in using both Source and own knowledge. (max. 3)
L2: Reasonable and balanced answer, using both Source and own knowledge. (max. 6)
Marks: /28 63
'During the Cold War, the capitalist bloc failed to prevent the
communist bloc from building up its influence in Asia.' Do you agree?
Explain your answer.
Answer Tips
1. Pay attention to 'Cold War', 'capitalist bloc', 'failed to prevent', 'communist bloc', 'Asia'
and 'building up influence'.
2. Was the capitalist bloc able to prevent the communist bloc from building up its influence
in China?
in Korea?
in Vietnam?
Introduction:
• Briefly introduce the Cold War and point out that the capitalist bloc failed to prevent the
communist bloc from building up its influence in Asia.
Think about it:

1. After the Second World War, the capitalist bloc led by the US and the
communist bloc led by the Soviet Union were in confrontation.
2. In general, the capitalist bloc failed to prevent communism from spreading to Asia.
3. The communists won the Chinese Civil War and established the People's Republic
of China.
4. The capitalist bloc failed to remove the influence of communism in the Korean War .
Today, Korea remains divided as South Korea and North Korea as it was in 1950.
5. The US, which paid a high price, failed to win the Vietnam War . North
Vietnam unified the whole country under communist rule.

After the Second World War, the capitalist bloc led by the US and the communist bloc led by the Soviet
Union were in confrontation. In general, the capitalist bloc failed to prevent communism from spreading
to Asia. The communists won the Chinese Civil War and established the People's Republic of China.
The capitalist bloc failed to remove the influence of communism in the Korean War. Today, Korea
remains divided as South Korea and North Korea as it was in 1950. The US, which paid a high price,
failed to win the Vietnam War. North Vietnam unified the whole country under communist rule. Therefore,
I agree that during the Cold War, the capitalist bloc failed to prevent the communist bloc from building
up its influence in Asia.
64
Main text 1:
• Point out that the capitalist bloc failed to prevent the communist bloc from building up its
influence in China.
Think about it:

(1) Topic sentence
Q: In which country did the capitalist bloc fail to prevent the communist bloc from
building up its influence?
A: The capitalist bloc failed to prevent the communists from establishing rule in China.
(2) Explanation
Q: How did the communists build up its influence in this country?
A: For some time after the Second World War, China had been an important ally of
the US. Then, in 1946, the Chinese Civil War broke out between the nationalists
and the communists. The communists won the war. On 1 October 1949, Mao
Zedong established the People's Republic of China . In the early 1950s, China
befriended the Soviet Union because both of them were communist countries.
(3) Examples
Q: What actions did the capitalist bloc take to respond to the expansion of communist
influence? Were these actions successful?
A: The US could only support the nationalist government in Taiwan and impose
an embargo on China.
Firstly, the capitalist bloc failed to prevent the communists from establishing rule in China. For some time
after the Second World War, China had been an important ally of the US. Then, in 1946, the Chinese
Civil War broke out between the nationalists and the communists. The communists won the war. On
1 October 1949, Mao Zedong established the People's Republic of China. In the early 1950s, China
befriended the Soviet Union because both of them were communist countries. The US could only
support the nationalist government in Taiwan and impose an embargo on China. Therefore, the capitalist
bloc failed to prevent communism from spreading to China.
65
Main text 2:
influence in Korea.
Think about it:

(1) Topic sentence
A: The capitalist bloc failed to remove the influence of communism in the Korean
War . Today, Korea remains divided as South Korea and North Korea as it
was in 1950.
(2) Explanation
A: After the Second World War, Korea was divided into two parts along the latitude 38°N.
A communist government was set up in the north , while a non-communist
government was set up in the south . In June 1950, North Korea invaded South
Korea. The Korean War began.
(3) Examples
A: UN forces , under American leadership, landed at Inchon to help the South
Koreans fight against North Korea. In October 1950, China sent military aid
to North Korea. However, neither side was able to defeat the other. The Korean War
lasted 3 years. In 1953, both sides agreed to end the war. Today, Korea remains
divided as it was in 1950.
Secondly, the capitalist bloc failed to remove the influence of communism in the Korean War. Today,
Korea remains divided as South Korea and North Korea as it was in 1950. After the Second World War,
Korea was divided into two parts along the latitude 38°N. A communist government was set up in the
north, while a non-communist government was set up in the south. In June 1950, North Korea invaded
South Korea. The Korean War began. UN forces, under American leadership, landed at Inchon to help
the South Koreans fight against North Korea. In October 1950, China sent military aid to North Korea.
However, neither side was able to defeat the other. The Korean War lasted 3 years. In 1953, both sides
agreed to end the war. Today, Korea remains divided as it was in 1950. The capitalist bloc could not win
the Korean War, and the communists consolidated its influence in Korea.
66
Main text 3:
influence in Vietnam.
Think about it:

(1) Topic sentence
A: The US, which paid a high price, failed to win the Vietnam War . North Vietnam
unified the whole country under communist rule.

(2) Explanation
A: Vietnam was once a French colony. In 1954, it became independent and was divided
into two parts along the latitude 17°N. A communist government was set up in the
north, while a capitalist government was set up in the south. In 1961, a war broke
out between North and South Vietnam. China and the Soviet Union
supported North Vietnam.

(3) Examples
A: From 1964 onwards, the US sent a large number of soldiers to help South
Vietnam. It also started bombing North Vietnam. The Vietnam War lasted 14 years. In
1975, North Vietnam took Saigon and unified the whole country under communist
rule.
Lastly, the US, which paid a high price, failed to win the Vietnam War. North Vietnam unified the whole
country under communist rule. Vietnam was once a French colony. In 1954, it became independent
and was divided into two parts along the latitude 17°N. A communist government was set up in the
north, while a capitalist government was set up in the south. In 1961, a war broke out between North
and South Vietnam. China and the Soviet Union supported North Vietnam. From 1964 onwards, the
US sent a large number of soldiers to help South Vietnam. It also started bombing North Vietnam. The
Vietnam War lasted 14 years. In 1975, North Vietnam took Saigon and unified the whole country under
communist rule. The US paid a high price but lost the Vietnam War. The capitalist bloc failed to prevent
communism from spreading to Vietnam.
67
Conclusion:
• Conclude the arguments mentioned above and repeat that the capitalist bloc failed to prevent
the communist bloc from building up its influence in Asia.
Think about it:

(1) Conclude that the capitalist bloc failed to prevent the communist bloc from building
up its influence in Asia.
During the Cold War, the capitalist bloc failed to prevent the communist bloc from
building up its influence in Asia. The communists established the People's Republic
of China. Korea remains divided as it was in 1950. Vietnam was unified under
communist rule. The US paid a high price but it failed to win the Vietnam War .
Although the capitalist bloc, led by the US, tried hard to prevent communism from
spreading to Asia, the effects were very limited.
In conclusion, during the Cold War, the capitalist bloc failed to prevent the communist bloc from
building up its influence in Asia. The communists established the People's Republic of China. Korea
remains divided as it was in 1950. Vietnam was unified under communist rule. The US paid a high price
but it failed to win the Vietnam War. Although the capitalist bloc, led by the US, tried hard to prevent
communism from spreading to Asia, the effects were very limited.

Criteria
be awarded marks
relevant material.

material.

D/E 6-9

E/F 3-5

U 0-2
few relevant facts.
68

A The First World War (1914-1918) : and To in

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International conflicts and threats

Central Powers Germany, Austria-Hungary

Allied Powers Britain, Russia, Serbia, Belgium, France, Italy

II Crises in the Balkans (12 marks) Historical concept: Time and

III Relations among the European powers Historical concept:

The following poster was published during the First

'Hold your hand out, you naughty boy!'

Column A (Historical figures) Column B (Historical events)

(1) C (2) E (3) J (4) D (5) I

(6) A (7) G (8) B (9) F (10) H

Tsar Nicholas II King Edward VII Kaiser William II

(1) Stop all anti-Austrian Accept / Refuse

(2) Disband all anti- Accept / Refuse

(3) Punish people related Accept / Refuse

(4) Allow Austrian officials Accept / Refuse

Alternative answers are also accepted as long as they are reasonable.

1. Germany and Russia promoted Pan-Slavism and Pan-Germanism respectively.

True False Correction

1. 8 Pan-Germanism and Pan-Slavism

Countries Early 20th century After the First World War

• Had a strong navy • Military strength greatly reduced

• Successfully sought revenge to

• Had great military strength • Military strength greatly reduced

• Diplomatically neutral ; later • Remained diplomatically neutral

• National strength remained weak

• Put forward the idea of

Source A A cartoon published in July Source B A c a r t o o n p u b l i s h e d i n

German Emperor: 'A strong fleet is the best

paper with the word 'Morocco' on it.

tried to solve the 'Moroccan Question' by demonstrating their naval strengths.

2. Study the Sources below and answer the following questions.

Source B Major Developments of the First World War

28 July 1914 Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

1 August 1914 Germany declared war on Russia.

4 August 1914 Britain declared war on Germany to protect the neutrality of

1915 Germany and Austria-Hungary defeated Russia on the Eastern

11 November 1918 Germany signed an armistice with the Allied Powers.

Schlieffen Plan violated the neutrality of Belgium.

First World War.

US joined the First World War.

3. Study the Sources below and answer the following questions.

Source C The following speech was made by President Wilson of the US in

Source A An American poster published in the 1920s

social status and obtained the right to vote.

How did the policies of Kaiser William II of Germany lead to

Think about it:

Put the points above into a paragraph:

Think about it:

Put the points above into a paragraph:

outbreak of the First World War.

Think about it:

Put the points above into a paragraph:

Think about it:

Put the points above into a paragraph:

accelerated the outbreak of the First World War.

Think about it:

(4) Briefly conclude the whole paragraph.

Put the points above into a paragraph:

Think about it:

Put the points above into a paragraph:

Max band to Range of

Showing an awareness of the significance of the question.

Showing a general understanding of the question. Narrative

(b) What problem did the lion face? (3 marks)

(b) Why did the three men blockade Berlin? (3 marks)