Practice Paper 1

1 (a) What, according to Source E, was the significance of the Locarno Conference?

- According to source E, the significance of the Locarno Confernence was that it contributed the security within Europe, and it presented a positive future for the Rhineland, which would be evacuation of the region. Also, its states that Stressemann's initiative was successful, because the Rhineland was demilitarized, and Germany was willing to enter the League of Nations. Another significant point was that was an attempt to move towards peace, and form alliances within Europe.

1 (b) What message is conveyed by source D?

-The cartoon in source D is showing Briand, Chamberlain and Stresemann forming an alliance in order to strengthen the League of Nations. However, while Stresemann and Chamberlain are shaking with both hands, Briand is holding a boxing glove behind his back. This shows that he simply making the alliance to please the other leaders, but he will probably not stay true to the pact made, but the other two are committed to the alliance.

2. Compare and contrast the views expressed about the Locarno Conference in sources B and C

- Document B is an extract of a speech given by Garnett, a secretary of the League of Nations. The document portrays the Locarno Conference as a success, which will increase security among the European nations, and will soon get rid of all chances of war.

Document C is an extract from the British Foreign and Commonwealth website. The views expressed in document C are that, as a result of the Locarno Conference, France and Great Britain would never be able to revive their alliance, or create any military talks.

Both documents analyze the effects of the Locarno Conference, and its success in preventing a future war. Also, both documents B and C, mention allies, and borders. However, while source B states that any possibility of war would soon be diminished, source C states Britain's obligations in the case of a war. Additionally, source B states that France and Britain can and will work together, while source C states that all possibilities of the two nations working together were eliminated by the Locarno Conference.

4. Using these sources and your own knowledge, analyse the importance of the Locarno Conference for international relations between 1925 and 1936

During the time the Locarno Conference occurred, Europe was in a state of turmoil and Germany was beginning to gain power, causing the other European Nations to feel threatened. The Locarno Conference was meant to reassure these nations, and secure peace within Europe.

Sources A, B and E support the view that as a result of the Locarno Conference there will be peace within Europe, and that borders will be secured. On the other hand, Source C states that due to the Locarno Conference, alliances will not be able to be made between France and Great Britain, straining the peace within Europe. Source D, is a cartoon depicting the view that the treaty will be broken, because not all the members involved in the agreement are honesty and true to the treaty.

The Locarno Conference was meant to create alliances within Europe, assure peace, and demilitarize the Rhineland. It was an important conference because it allowed the League of Nations to show that they indeed did have power to the world. It was also a major step towards peace, which was one of Chamberlain's largest goals.