Question 1: When did the invasion of Poland occur, marking the start of WWII?

Answer: September 1, 1939

Question 2: Which policy of appeasement was used by Britain and France in the 1930s?

Answer: The Munich Agreement

Question 3: Name one major fascist leader associated with the causes of WWII.

Answer: Adolf Hitler

Question 4: What was the main purpose of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact?

Answer: To prevent a Soviet-German conflict and divide Poland between them

Question 5: Which event is widely considered the immediate trigger for WWII?

Answer: The invasion of Poland

Question 1: Source: 'The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, fostering resentment and economic hardship.' What does this source suggest about the causes of WWII?

Answer: It indicates that the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles created resentment in Germany, which contributed to the rise of extremism and conflict, thus being a significant cause of WWII.

Question 2: Evaluate the reliability of this quote: 'The policy of appeasement prevented war.'

Answer: This quote is simplistic; while appeasement delayed conflict in some cases, it also emboldened aggressors like Hitler, making it an unreliable sole explanation for preventing war.

Question 3: What audience is likely intended for this source, and what is its purpose?

Answer: Likely aimed at the general public or policymakers, its purpose is to justify or explain the causes of WWII, emphasizing the importance of treaties and diplomacy.

Question 1: Explain why the policy of appeasement failed to prevent WWII.

Answer: Appeasement failed because it encouraged aggressive nations like Nazi Germany to pursue territorial expansion, undermining diplomatic efforts and emboldening Hitler, which ultimately led to war.

Question 2: Describe how economic instability in the 1930s contributed to the outbreak of WWII.

Answer: Economic instability, especially during the Great Depression, led to high unemployment and social unrest, which extremist leaders exploited to gain support and justify aggressive foreign policies.

Question 3: Explain the significance of the Munich Agreement in the lead-up to WWII.

Answer: The Munich Agreement exemplified appeasement, allowing Hitler to annex Sudetenland without opposition, which emboldened him further and signaled the failure of diplomatic efforts to contain aggression.

Question 1: To what extent was the Treaty of Versailles a primary cause of WWII? (8-12 marks)

Answer: The Treaty of Versailles was a primary cause of WWII because it imposed harsh penalties on Germany, leading to economic hardship, national humiliation, and resentment. These conditions facilitated the rise of Hitler and nationalist extremism. However, other factors such as appeasement, economic instability, and aggressive expansionism also played significant roles, indicating that the Treaty was a key but not sole cause.

Question 2: Assess how far the policy of appeasement contributed to the outbreak of WWII.

Answer: Appeasement contributed significantly by encouraging Hitler’s territorial ambitions, undermining the deterrence of military opposition, and delaying necessary action. While it aimed to prevent war, it ultimately emboldened aggressors, making conflict more likely. Nonetheless, economic factors and ideological conflicts also played crucial roles, so appeasement was a key but not the only factor.