Stabbed in the Back?

The next lessons will take up the story of Germany in 1919.

Germany's lost World War I, they have a new government and there's trouble on the streets.

Then there's the Treaty of Versailles... when will the suffering end?

The French Prime Minister, Clemenceau. Did he kick Germany when it was down?

Much of Friday will be devoted to the Treaty of Versailles.

Your first essay will be due in for Friday 7 October 2011 (there will also be a short test on the Treaty)

Title:

'Why was the Treaty of Versailles unpopular in Germany?' (12)

You may use the following in your answer and any information of your own.

• Hitler called the Treaty of Versailles 'The Dictated Peace'
• The Treaty of Versailles reduced the German Army to 100,000 men
• Germany had to pay reparations

How the question will be marked

Level 1   1-4    Simple statements - Some relevant knowledge.

Level 2  5-8   Statements will be developed with support from material which is mostly relevant and accurate.

Level 3   9-12  Sufficient accurate and relevant detail. Top of level for range of factors explored or the links between factors shown.

Just to show you how much you are loved as a class I have dusted off some tips to help you do the best you can

1. Plan your answer

2. Use of paragraphs is important. Each paragraph should have a ‘big idea’ – first sentence in each paragraph which is linked back to the central question set and precisely outlines what the paragraph is to be about. Make sure each paragraph has a central theme.

3. Work out what your big ideas are then precisely support them with appropriately selected knowledge.

4. Be analytical – analyse, don’t narrate.

5. In answers try to show both sides of an argument / balance. Use terms like however,…nevertheless, on the other hand etc.

6. Link points together ( this was made worse by the fact that,….at the same time x was happening which made the problem worse as it meant that….)

7. Explain points carefully – use terms like because, this meant that, as a result of this.

8. Refer to all of the three areas in the question, but you must also refer to other factors.

9. Ensure your written communication is a clear and sophisticated as possible.

10. In the introduction define any key terms (what, when, where etc.) then direct (show where the answer is going) – define and direct.

11. Reach a balanced conclusion which is a logical extension of your earlier points. If relevant try to reach a hierarchy of causation, effect etc. This / these were the most crucial factors because they meant that….

12. Use specialist historical terms.

There are probably important points I’ve forgotten, but these are some crucial ones.

You have the potential to do well - you need to start reaching it now. Don’t rush work - each assignment will allow you to have a chance to review important areas of work which often come up in the examination - if you do your best you’ll have the chance to get good feedback if it is rushed, you won’t.