GCE History A Y101/01: Alfred and the making of England 871-1016 Advanced GCE Mark Scheme for Autumn 2021. Graded A

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Question Answer Mark Guidance 1 Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that King Alfred‘s tactics led to the defeat of the Vikings. • In di... scussing how Source A partly supports the view, candidates might refer to Alfred coming with a large army, but also that the men of Rochester mounted a stout defence on their own. • In discussing the provenance of Source A, answers might comment that Asser tended to praise the role played by Alfred in any situation. • In discussing the historical context of Source A, answers might refer to the Vikings as essentially raiders, who moved on as soon as they were challenged and so confrontational tactics worked well in defeating them. • In discussing how Source B does not support the view, candidates might refer to the role played by the ealdormen and the king of Mercia in defeating the Vikings. • In discussing the provenance of Source B, answers might comment on the author also being an ealdorman. • In discussing the historical context of Source B, answers might argue that the unreliability of the Vikings in keeping to treaties and the way their armies combined, made them such a threat that Alfred could not defeat all their attacks. • In discussing how Source C does support the view, candidates might refer to the way Alfred split 30 • No set answer is expected. • At Level 5 there will be judgement about the issue in the question. • To be valid judgements they must be supported by accurate and relevant material. • At Level 4 and below, answers may be simply a list of which sources support or challenge the view in the question. • Knowledge must not be credited in isolation, it should only be credited where it is used to analyse and evaluate the sources, in line with the descriptions in the levels mark scheme.Y101/01 Mark Scheme Paper B 4 his army so he always had fresh troops and his care in selecting a place for his camp. • In discussing the provenance of Source C, answers might suggest that Florence of Worcester used the A-S Chronicle as one of his sources. • In discussing the historical context of Source C, answers might argue that Alfred’s tactics were again helped by the participation of local warriors and that the change-over for the two parts of the army did not always run smoothly. • In discussing how Source D does support the view, candidates might refer to the building of ships to match and outdo the Viking fleet • In discussing the provenance of Source D, answers might comment on the contemporary nature of the Chronicle. • In discussing the historical context of Source D, answers might refer to the late date of the Source, showing that naval tactics were only developed quite late in the reign, but were a good way to deal with the Vikings, whose great strength was at sea.Y101/01 Mark Scheme Paper B 5 2* How effective were Edgar’s reforms? In arguing that Edgar’s reforms were effective, • Answers might consider the reforms to monasteries, which brought in monks from reformed houses and led to new foundations. • Answers might consider that legal reforms led to the laws being written down and so known to all. • Answers might consider that Edgar’s ‘oral decree’ was a very effective way of keeping order. • Answers might argue that control of the minting of coins led to a currency respected at home and abroad. In arguing that Edgar was not wholly effective, • Answers might consider the paucity of the evidence which makes a judgement difficult. • Answers might consider that the Church reforms were resisted by some. • Answers might consider Edgar was unpopular for taking land from nobles for the Church. • Answers might consider that these tensions were reflected in the rivalries at court, which led to the succession being disputed between Edward and Aethelred, Edgar’s sons by different wives. 20 • No set answer is expected. • At higher levels, candidates will focus on weighing up how effective Edgar’s reforms were; but at Level 4, may simply list them. • At Level 5 and above there will be judgement as to the effectiveness of the reforms. • At higher levels candidates might establish criteria against which to judge effectiveness. • To be valid judgements, claims must be supported by relevant and accurate material. If not they are assertions. • Knowledge must not be credited in isolation. it should only be credited where it is used as the basis for analysis and evaluation, in line with the descriptions in the levels mark scheme.Y101/01 Mark Scheme Paper B 6 3* 'The achievements of Aethelred's reign were completely undermined by his failure to deal with the Viking threat'. How far do you agree? In arguing that the failure over the Vikings overshadowed everything else, • Answers might consider that paying the Danes to go away (Danegeld), simply encouraged them to come back. • Answers might consider that the failure of efforts to build an English fleet contributed to the defeat, and that there was some English support for more vigorous resistance, but this was never sustained. • Answers might suggest that Aethelred’s attempt to deal with the Danish threat in the St Brice’s Day massacre backfired. • Answers might suggest that the role of Eadric Streona sabotaged English efforts. • Answers might argue that some Vikings were able to settle on the Isle of Wight. In arguing that other of Aethelred’s achievements were worthy of remembrance, • Answers might consider his legal reforms which were extensive, including the Wantage Code and the development of an early form of ‘jury of presentiment’. • Answers might consider his ecclesiastical legislation, especially in regard of the status, privileges and responsibilities of the priesthood. • Answers might consider that he improved relations with Richard II, Duke of Normandy, which reduced the aid given to the Vikings. • Answers might consider that between 993 and 20 • No set answer is expected. • At higher levels, candidates will focus on discussion about the nature of Aethelred’s reign: but at level 4, may simply list the things he achieved. • At Level 5 and above there will be judgement as to whether the the failurs against the Vikings did ‘eclipse’ everythi [Show More]

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