Core content: the 20th century — IGCSE History (0470) questions by topic

Peace-settlement consequences anchor this content: describing the economic effects of Versailles on Germany between 1919 and 1923, the loss of Germany's colonies, Jaruzelski's role in Poland in 1981, and the fate of the Saar under the treaty all draw on early and late twentieth-century diplomacy.

Explain, how-far, describe, state and compare lead the command words, worth from 20 to 40 marks, across 11 questions from 2024 and 2025 papers. Because compare questions ask you to set two elements directly against each other rather than treat them separately, practise structuring an answer that moves between both sides in turn, then use instant marking to check whether your comparison stayed balanced rather than favouring one side by default.

May–June 2025, Paper 11

Question 5 · 20 marks

Describe the economic consequences of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany, 1919-23.

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Question 6 · 20 marks

Describe German involvement in the Spanish Civil War.

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May–June 2025, Paper 12

Question 5 · 20 marks

The Treaty of Versailles displeased many people. What happened to Germany's colonies in the Treaty of Versailles?

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Question 6 · 20 marks

The 1930s saw several developments taking Europe closer to war. Describe German rearmament in the 1930s.

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Question 8 · 20 marks

In the decades after the Second World War, the Soviet Union struggled to maintain control of Eastern Europe. Describe the role played by Jaruzelski in Poland in 1981.

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May–June 2025, Paper 13

Question 5 · 20 marks

What happened to the Saar in the Treaty of Versailles?

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Question 6 · 20 marks

What was 'lebensraum'?

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May–June 2025, Paper 21

Question 2 · 40 marks

Study Sources A and B. How far do these two sources agree? Explain your answer using details of the sources.

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May–June 2025, Paper 22

Question 2 · 40 marks

Study Sources A and B. How far do these two sources agree? Explain your answer using details of the sources. [7]

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May–June 2025, Paper 23

Question 2 · 40 marks

Study Sources A and B. How far do these two sources agree? Explain your answer using details of the sources.

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May–June 2024, Paper 12

Question 5 · 20 marks

The Treaty of Versailles had important consequences for Germany. What land did Germany lose in the Treaty of Versailles?

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Other IGCSE History topics

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