Unit 1: The World Before World War II

Russia: Fall of Monarchy and the Rise of Communism, 1917-1941

2002 Qn 2:
(a) Why did the Bolsheviks win the Civil War? (12m)
(b) Was Stalin’s persecution of his political enemies the most important factor that enabled him to control the Soviet Union? Explain your answer. (13m)

2005 Qn 2:
(a) Why did Stalin introduce the Five-Year Plans for industry? (12m)
(b) ‘Stalin’s industrial and agricultural reforms were a total success.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (13m)



China: Fall of Monarchy and KMT-CCP Rivalry, 1911-1937

2004 Qn 2:
(a) Why did Chiang Kai-shek (Jiang Jieshi) turn against his Communist allies in 1927? (12m)
(b) How far do you agree that the Long March was a success for the Communists? Explain your answer. (13m)



Impact of World War I

2003 Qn 2:
(a) Why did the Allies impose a tough peace settlement on Germany in 1919? (12m)
(b) ‘The main reason Germany hated the Treaty of Versailles was reparations.’ How far do you agree with this judgment? Explain your answer. (13m)

2006 Qn 2:
(a) Why was the League of Nations set up after World War 1? (12m)
(b) ‘The Treaty of Versailles was a failure.’ How far do you agree with this judgment? Explain your answer. (13m)



Rise of Nazism in Germany

2004 Qn 3:
(a) Why did the effects of the Great Depression help Hitler to gain power in Germany? (12m)
(b) How far do you agree that Hitler’s policies were a success for German people during the 1930s? Explain your answer. (13m)

2005 Qn 3:
(a) Why did Hitler completely control Germany by late 1934? (12m)
(b) ‘Nazi economic policies up to 1939 were a complete success.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (13m)