NCHS 2025 HIST PRELIM P2 QP+MS

Name: Register Number: Class: PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION 2025 SECONDARY FOUR HISTORY 2174/02 Paper 2 29 August 2025, Friday 1 hour 50 minutes Additional Material: Writing paper READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST Write your name, class and index number on all the work you hand in. Write in dark blue or black pen. Do not use staples, paper clips, glue or correction fluid. Section A Answer all parts of Question 1. Section B Answer two questions. Please start your answer for Section B on a fresh page. At the end of the examination, fasten all your work for Sections A and B separately. The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question. The total marks for this paper is 50. This paper consists of 6 printed pages including the cover page. For Marker’s Use

2 Section A: Source-based Case Study Question 1 is for all candidates. Study the Background Information and the sources carefully and then answer all the questions. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources you are told to use. In answering the questions, you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources. 1 (a) Study Sources A and B. In what ways are Sources A and B different as evidence about why the Soviets started the Berlin Blockade? Explain your answer. [5] (b) Study Source C. How surprised are you by this cartoon? Explain your answer using details from the source. [6] (c) Study Source D. Does Source D prove that the US was determined to help the people of West Berlin? Explain your answer. [5] (d) Study Source E. Why did the cartoonist draw this at that time? Explain your answer. [6] (e) Study all the sources. ‘The Soviets were to blame for the Berlin Blockade.’ How far do these sources support this view? Use the sources and your knowledge to support your answer. [8]

3 The Berlin Blockade BACKGROUND INFORMATION Read this carefully. It may help you answer some of the questions. At the Potsdam Conference in 1945, Germany was divided into four zones of occupation, one for each Allied power under the Four -Powers Agreement. Berlin, located within the Soviet Zone, was also split into four. In 1947, t he United States and Britain merged their zones for economic recovery, with France joining on 21 June 1948. Around the same time, a new currency was introduced in the Western zones. Alarmed by these developments, the Soviets launched the Berlin Blockade on 24 June 1948, cutting off road, rail, water and power access to West Berlin. In response, the Allies launched the Berlin Airlift on 26 June 1948. While there were initial concerns among the American public, aircraft flew in supplies daily to sustain West Berliners for nearly a year. The Soviets claimed the blockade was a defensive move against the West while the latter claimed that it escalated tensions. Hence, who was to blame for the Berlin Blockade? Source A: From a radio broadcast by the commander-in-chief of the Soviet Zone of Occupation in Germany, on 22 June 1948. The new currency introduced by the American, British and French occupation authorities goes against the interests of the German people. It was implemented for their own benefit, with the aim of weakening Germany by taking control of its economy. This action violates the Potsdam Agreement, which called for all zones to have the same currency . This change disrupts trade between East and West Germany and hinders its unity and economic recovery. On behalf of the population in the Soviet zone of occupation in Germany and Berlin, the Soviets will take the necessary measure s in response to the current situation. Source B: From a Luxembourg newspaper, published on 26 June 1948. Luxembourg was one of the Western European states. What are the Soviets aiming to achieve with their aggressive actions in Berlin, especially as the situation grows more tense? Are they trying to force the Allies out? The Soviets know that if the Americans pull out, it will damage the latter’s credibility and undermine the Marshall Plan, possibly turning away countries relying on their aid. Though, it seems unlikely that the Allies will back down. Therefore, the blockade is not simply just about the interests of Berlin or its two million residents. It is Soviet’s attempt to challenge America’s post-war strategy, especially the Marshall Plan. The tension between the East and the West dates from the moment the Marshall Plan started to take shape.

4 Source C: A cartoon titled ‘Joe’s Idea of Four-Power Government’, published in an American newspaper on 29 June 1948. Source D: From a diplomatic note from the United States to the Soviet Union on 6 July 1948. The US government would like to warn the Soviet government of the extremely serious international situation caused by the Soviets. The Soviets have blocked transport to the parts of Berlin controlled by the US, Britain and France. This breaks the agreement s all four countries made on how to manage Berlin, and the free access granted to the Western powers. The US insists that it has the right to its sector of Berlin and will not give up these rights because of threats from the Soviets. The US has the respons ibility to supply food and medicine to 2.4 million West Berliners. The blockade threatens basic human needs of the Germans. We urge that the Soviets allow us to access Berlin and to solve any disputes peacefully and fairly and not by force. Great Britain France US

5 Source E: A German cartoon about the response of the Western Allies to the Berlin Blockade, published on 17 July 1948. Source F: From an American academic specialising in Cold War history, published in 2024. The traditional image of Soviet aggression in the Cold War is a result of the Berlin Blockade. However, there were significant American actions in the months prior to the blockade which had provoked the Soviets to take drastic measures. These included the merger of the US and British zones of occupation and the Marshall Plan as well as a conference which set the foundation of the creation of a separate West German state. It was only after the expansion of the currency reform into the western sectors of Berlin that the Soviets blocked access to the city. Soviet logic was clear: if the Americans wanted to create a West German state, they would have to abandon Berlin which was within the Soviet occupation zone. US to the People of West Berlin “Fear not! We shall feed the bear so many diplomatic notes that he will no longer have any appetite for you.” Notes after Notes West Berliners Soviet Union The US and the Western Allies

6 Section B: Essays Answer two questions. 2 ‘Allied victory in Europe during World War Two was secured due to the British’s contributions.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10] 3 ‘The m