OCR GCSE History A (Explaining the Modern World) Period study with non-British depth study: International relations 1918-2001 + China 1950-1981: the people and the state June 2025 question paper J410/01

Outline how the terms of the Treaty of Versailles were intended to ensure future peace.

Explain why Cuba became a focus of tension between the USSR and the USA in the 1960s.

Study Interpretation A.

Do you think this interpretation is a fair comment on Neville Chamberlain and his policies in the period 1937–1939?

Use other interpretations of the events of 1937–1939 and your knowledge to support your

answer.

Interpretation A

From ‘Munich – Its Lessons Ten Years Later’, an essay written by British historian Hugh Trevor‑Roper, published in 1948.

There was plenty of evidence that Hitler was following a policy of aggression, but Neville Chamberlain was a man of limited intelligence. He simply could not believe that Hitler was any different from himself. If Chamberlain wanted peace, so must Hitler. If the evidence contradicted him, he ignored it. Chamberlain did not want to strengthen the alliance against Hitler, he wanted to break it up in order to clear the way for his personal diplomacy. The fact that he acted out of arrogance and stupidity, not out of wickedness, is no excuse. Hitler flattered Chamberlain by telling him he was the only man he had ever given in to, and Chamberlain believed him.

Describe one example of opposition to Deng Xiaoping between 1976 and 1981.

Explain why Mao used propaganda in China between 1966 and 1976.

Study Source A.

Why was this poster published by the Chinese government in the early 1980s?

Source A

A Chinese government poster from the early 1980s. The writing on the bottom of the poster says ‘it’s good to have only one’.

Study Source B.

How reliable is this source as evidence about the Chinese economy between 1976 and 1981?

Source B

From a written statement by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party in June 1981. All members of the Communist Party were ordered to read the statement.

Through a struggle waged by the entire Party and the people, the damage caused by the Cultural Revolution has started to be repaired. Progress has been made in our economy. Grain output has increased and significant successes have been achieved in industry, science and technology.

8* ‘Between 1950 and 1965, Mao’s policies were a disaster for the Chinese people.’

How far do you agree?