How useful are Sources B and C to an historian studying the policy of appeasement? Explain your answer using Sources B and C and your contextual knowledge. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1

Sources B and C provide valuable insights into the policy of appeasement during the lead-up to World War II.

Source B is useful as it presents a perspective that emphasizes the motivations behind Chamberlain's decisions. It reflects the idea that appeasement was seen as a necessary policy to maintain peace in Europe. This context can be understood through the lens of the widespread fear of war and the desire to avoid conflict following the devastation of World War I. The source's provenance indicates that it comes from a document that supports the British government's stance at the time, highlighting its utility for understanding public opinion about these policies.

Source C, on the other hand, illustrates criticism of appeasement. It depicts Chamberlain's hopeful intentions but underscores the skepticism regarding Hitler’s expansionist aims. This source can help historians evaluate contrasting views on appeasement, as it suggests that even Chamberlain was aware of the risks involved. Its origin as a political cartoon adds another layer of interpretation, showing how public sentiment was shaping around the policies during that period.

Both sources are instrumental in providing a multifaceted view of the policy of appeasement, though they represent different angles. In addition to the sources, contextual knowledge, such as the events leading to the Munich Agreement and Hitler's subsequent actions, enhances the understanding of these documents' implications.