ANDSS 2025 H(E) QP+MS

This document consists of 6 printed pages. Setter: Mr Jacob Tan O ANDERSON SECONDARY SCHOOL Preliminary Examination 2025 Secondary Four Express CANDIDATE NAME: CLASS: / INDEX NUMBER: Humanities Paper 2 History The Making of the 20th Century Modern World, 1910s – 1991 2261/02 27 August 2025 1 hour 50 minutes 0800-0950h Additional Materials: 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 on both sides of the paper. Do not use staples, paper clips, highlighters, glue or correction fluid/tape. Section A Answer all parts of Question 1. Section B Answer two questions. Write your answers on the writing paper provided. At the end of the examination, fasten all your work securely together. The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question. For examiner’s use only: Section A / 30m Section B / 20m Total / 50 marks

S4E Hum: HE Prelim (2025) 2 Section A: Source-Based Case Study Question 1 is compulsory 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 Source A. Why was this cartoon created at this time? Explain your answer. [5] (b) Study Source B. How far is source B useful in helping yo u understand Britain’s perspective of Hitler? Explain your answer. [6] (c) Study Source C. How surprised are you by what this source says about the British security considerations? Explain your answer. [5] (d) Study Sources D and E. Having read source E, how reliable is D as evidence about the perception of Hitler? Explain your answer. [6] (e) Study all the sources. “Britain was justified to pursue the policy of appeasemen t.” How far do these sources support this view? Use the sources and your knowledge to explain your answer. [8]

S4E Hum: HE Prelim (2025) 3 Could Hitler’s ambitions have been contained? BACKGROUND INFORMATION Read this carefully. It may help you answer some of the questions. As Hitler adopted increasingly assertive foreign policies in the 1930s , the international community observed the responses of Western nations, which often involved efforts to address his demands diplomatically. From domestic concerns of unemployment and political opposition stemmed a desire to preserve peace at all cost, which was readily supported by the masses who did not wish to be involved in another world war. Hitler, however, sought ever more concessions. Were the Western powers justified in pursuing a policy of appeasement to preserve peace, or could adopting a firmer stance earlier have prevented another world war? Source A: A cartoon published in the Sydney Daily Newspaper in April 1939. Brummy: Fake/cheaply made Discarded Mussolini wrappers

S4E Hum: HE Prelim (2025) 4 Source B: A speech by Chamberlain in Parliament regarding his opinion on Hitler’s involvement in the Spanish Civil War and his foreign policy approach in 1937. Hitler has taken upon himself to fight against our common enemy, the communists, the biggest threat. Those of you who have called themselves the heralds of woe, that Hitler is the coming of the second war, need only look at his actions and judge them. We do not want war, we do not need war but what we need less are words of condemnation for a job well done. Source C: A report by the British military Chief of Staff in 1937. But the outstanding feature of the present situation is the increasing probability that a war started in any one of these three areas [ Africa, Asia and Western Europe] may extend to one or both of the other two... we cannot foresee the time when our defence forces will be strong enough to safeguard our territory, trade, and vital interests against Germany, Italy and Japan simultaneously. We cannot, therefore, exaggerate the importance, from the point of view of Imperial Defence, of any political or international action that can be taken to reduce the numbers of our potential enemies or to gain the support of potential allies. Source D: An extract from a conversation between President Roosevelt and his political aides in 1939 after the invasion of Czechoslovakia. Ever since the USS Panay incident in the far east with our Japanese counterparts, I have found that Europeans are easier and more straightforward in direct confrontation and compromise. We say what we want, when we want it, wherever we feel like it. This makes for simpler times and easier decisions. Never have I have been so wrong. I was a fool. I appealed to Hitler’s sense of humanity; that hundreds of millions would recognize his peaceful actions as a historic service to humanity. How could I do so? That man has no shred of humanity, only greed and rage. Our people have sacrificed before, now I’m afraid that another generation will see the ravages of war again because of that madman. I have advised Chamberlain not to pursue that foolish path and work on rearmament, of which the USA will assist.

S4E Hum: HE Prelim (2025) 5 Source E: A cartoon by a British cartoonist published in 1939 after Hitler had voiced his desire to invade Poland. Lord Halifax had been one of the advocates of appeasement. The letter held by Chamberlain reads “we cannot remain unmoved.” Source F: An adaptation of a speech by Hermann Göring, chairman of the German war cabinet in 1939. Our Fuehrer has done the unthinkable in the face of overwhelming opposition. We reclaimed our sovereignty in the Rhineland. We not only rebuilt but strengthened our proud military. We are battle-tested in the far west of Europe and have perfected our strategies. We have conquered others but have not been seriously tested. But most importantly, he has sacrificed the most by signing that pact to pave the way for future victories. Only someone with the strongest conviction for our national survival and prosperity could sit next to that ill-mannered fellow and do that. Hitler is that person. Now it is our job to ensure that his sacrifices and trust in our destiny is rewarded. Lord Halifax Prime Minister Chamberlain

S4E Hum: HE Prelim (2025) 6 Section B: Essays Answer two questions. 2 “The structural weaknesses of the League of Nations was the most significant factor that made it incapable of preventing conflict in the 1920s.” How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10] 3 “Germany under Hitler was thriving in all aspects of life.” How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.