Study Sources B and C in the Sources Booklet - AQA - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1

To assess the usefulness of Sources B and C for historians studying the Treaty of Versailles, we need to evaluate their content and provenance.

Source B discusses how the Allies would respond to Germany if the Treaty was not accepted. This reflects the pervasive sentiment among the Allies that Germany faced severe consequences, thus providing valuable insights into the motivations behind the Treaty. It identifies the fear of aggressive actions and shows that the Allies perceived the Treaty as a necessary measure to maintain peace.

In contrast, Source C presents a British perspective, highlighting the justification for imposing harsh terms on Germany, especially referencing Article 231, known as the War Guilt Clause. It suggests that the British believed that Germany deserved blame for the war, which is crucial for understanding the context of the Treaty negotiations. However, it might also reflect a bias inherent in the British narrative at the time, which could limit its reliability as a definitive source.

Both sources collectively illustrate the Allied viewpoint on the Treaty, emphasizing the belief that Germany needed to be held accountable. Source B captures the alarm over a potential resurgence of German militarism, while Source C highlights the justification for the punitive measures taken against Germany. Together, they show the prevailing attitudes and fears of the period, which can help historians understand the motivations behind the Treaty of Versailles.

Overall, while both sources are useful, Source C's bias may require additional contextual knowledge to assess its overall reliability in a broader historical framework.