Changes to Germany's Youth (Edexcel GCSE History)

Worked Example

Give two things you can infer from Source A about the Hitler Youth

4 marks 

 Source A: A photograph taken in 1938 showing members of the Hitler Youth preparing for a Nazi Party event

IMAGE

Answers:

 (i) What I can infer:
The Hitler Youth were well organised (1)

   Details in the source that tell me this: 
   Members are all shown wearing the same uniform (1)

(ii) What I can infer:
The Hitler Youth were disciplined (1)

   Details in the source that tell me this: 
   Members are shown standing in a straight line waiting for instructions (1)

This answer would receive full marks because it contains two relevant inferences, supported by details from the source.

Worked Example

Study Interpretations 1 and 2. They give different views about the attitudes of young people towards the Hitler Youth movement 

What is the main difference between these views? 

Explain your answer, using details from both interpretations

4 marks 

Answers:

 A main difference is that Interpretation 1 emphasises the enthusiasm for and attractions of the Hitler Youth by mentioning the variety of activities available (1). This is shown by the quote, “there were many outdoor events such as camping and hiking as well as sports” (1).

On the other hand, Interpretation 2 discusses the unpopularity of the Hitler Youth and its less attractive activities (1). This is shown by the quote, “the activities became increasingly focused on preparations for war” (1).

This answer would receive full marks because it clearly states the main difference by comparing the two interpretations. It also used evidence from each interpretation.

Worked Example

Suggest one reason why Interpretations 1 and 2 give different views about the attitudes of young people towards the Hitler Youth movement 

You may use Sources B and C to help explain your answer

4 marks 

Answers:

 The interpretations differ because they have used different sources.

Source C suggests that young people enjoyed the Hitler Youth because there were lots of trips, “especially camping!” (1). This aligns with the argument presented in Interpretation 1 that young people had enthusiasm for outdoor activities (1).

Source B suggests that young people disliked being part of the Hitler Youth because of the focus on military training, which required them to get “down in the mud” (1). This agrees with the idea in Interpretation 2 that young people disliked the focus on war and discipline (1).

This answer would receive full marks because it clearly identifies why the interpretations give different views. Each source is discussed and compared to the relevant interpretation with precise detail. 

Exam Tip

Question 3(d) is asking you why Interpretations 1 and 2 have different views.

It will always state, “You may use Sources B and C to help explain your answer.” This is the examiner's way of suggesting you look at Sources B and C to help you answer this question.

Remember, historians make interpretations and arguments based on the sources available to them. If historians use different sources, they could come to different conclusions.

Study both Interpretations and both Sources. Then, compare which Source agrees with which Interpretation. In the question above, it is clear that Interpretation 1 agrees with Source C. Similarly, Interpretation 2 clearly agrees with Source B.

The student’s answer above identifies that Interpretation 1 and Interpretation 2 have different views because they focus on different sources. The student then discusses each interpretation and compares it to the relevant source.