Franco–Prussian War (1870–71): past paper questions
Real questions on franco–prussian war (1870–71)
The newest 19 of 17 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9489/23 · May/June 2026 · Q3a[10]
Explain why the dispute over the Hohenzollern candidature led to the outbreak of war in 1870.
See it on the paper → - 9489/23 · May/June 2026 · Q3b[20]
‘The revolutions of 1848 in Germany were caused by the growth of liberal ideas.’ How far do you agree? Section B: American option The history of the USA, 1820 –1941
See it on the paper → - 9489/42 · February/March 2025 · Q5[30]
Evaluate how successful the Civil Rights movement was in the 1950s.
See it on the paper → - 9489/41 · October/November 2024 · Q3[30]
‘Hitler’s consolidation of power was achieved by gaining the support of the traditional German elites.’ Assess this view.
See it on the paper → - 9489/22 · May/June 2024 · Q2b[20]
‘France was the cause of the Franco–Prussian War, 1870–71.’ How far do you agree?
See it on the paper → - 9489/22 · February/March 2024 · Q2a[10]
Explain why the Treaty of Prague, 1866, increased Prussia’s power in Germany.
See it on the paper → - 9489/22 · February/March 2024 · Q2b[20]
‘The humiliation of Olmütz weakened German nationalism.’ How far do you agree?
See it on the paper → - 9489/22 · October/November 2023 · Q2b[20]
‘German nationalism caused the war fought by Denmark in 1864 against Prussia and Austria.’ How far do you agree?
See it on the paper → - 9489/22 · February/March 2023 · Q2b[20]
‘Prussia’s economic strength was the reason for its victory in the Franco–Prussian War.’ How far do you agree?
See it on the paper → - 9489/21 · October/November 2022 · Q3a[10]
Explain why France lost the Franco–Prussian War.
See it on the paper → - 9489/22 · October/November 2022 · Q3a[10]
Explain why the Frankfurt Parliament collapsed.
See it on the paper → - 9489/22 · October/November 2022 · Q3b[20]
To what extent was German unification the result of Bismarck’s actions? Section B: American option The history of the USA, 1820–1941
See it on the paper → - 9489/21 · May/June 2022 · Q3a[10]
Explain why the Franco–Prussian War broke out in 1870.
See it on the paper → - 9489/22 · May/June 2022 · Q3a[10]
Explain why Bismarck was appointed Minister President of Prussia in 1862.
See it on the paper → - 9489/22 · May/June 2022 · Q3b[20]
‘Austrian opposition was the main obstacle to German unification in the period 1815–50.’ How far do you agree with this view? Section B: American option The history of the USA, 1820–1941
See it on the paper → - 9489/23 · May/June 2022 · Q3b[20]
‘Prussia’s actions caused the Franco–Prussian War.’ How far do you agree? Section B: American option The history of the USA, 1820–1941
See it on the paper → - 9489/11 · October/November 2021 · Q1a[15]
Read Sources A and B. To what extent do these sources agree about the attitudes of other powers towards Prussia?
See it on the paper → - 9489/22 · February/March 2021 · Q7b[20]
‘The signing of a Treaty of Alliance with Britain in 1902 marked Japan’s emergence as a significant power.’ How far do you agree?
See it on the paper → - 9489/42 · February/March 2021 · Q10[30]
‘It was the failure of the US post-war policy in China which enabled the Chinese Communist Party to gain power in 1949.’ Assess this view.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Evaluate how successful the Civil Rights Movement was in the 1950s. Too few responses to this question were seen to make comments appropriate.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9489/42 Q5 (Cambridge)
‘German nationalism caused the war fought by Denmark in 1864 against Prussia and Austria.’ How far do you agree? Few responses showed an understanding of the importance of Schleswig Holstein for growing German nationalism with some responses suggesting that the Duke of Augustenberg was the Danish candidate for the vacant dukedom. There were few mentions of the Salic Law which banned the new king...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9489/22 Q2(b) (Cambridge)
‘Prussia’s economic strength was the reason for its victory in the Franco–Prussian War.’ How far do you agree? Most candidates were able to describe key features of Prussian economic progress in the mid-19th century, but weaker candidates struggled to relate this to victory in the war against France. Stronger candidates were able to explain that heavy industries contributed to the development of...
— Examiner report, February/March 2023, 9489/22 Q2(b) (Cambridge)
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