Study Sources B and C in the Sources Booklet - AQA - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1

To evaluate the usefulness of Sources B and C for historians studying the remilitarisation of the Rhineland, we need to examine their content, context, and provenance.

Source B provides crucial insights into the political landscape surrounding the remilitarisation. It illustrates the reaction of France and the USSR to Hitler's actions. This source is beneficial because it highlights the German commitment to the Locarno Treaty, emphasizing their desire for peaceful resolution. Consequently, Source B is useful for understanding the immediate diplomatic environment and justifications given for remilitarisation.

Source C, on the other hand, offers a critical perspective on the British government's inaction regarding Germany's breach of the Treaty of Versailles. It reflects the apprehensions of some British observers who believed that remilitarisation could lead to further military aggression by Germany. This source is valuable as it captures the tension in British policy and public opinion, particularly fears about broader military ambitions like Lebensraum.

In summary, both sources are invaluable for examining the remilitarisation of the Rhineland. Source B contextualizes the immediate political reactions, while Source C sheds light on the fears and critiques in Britain regarding Germany's growing assertiveness. The combination of these perspectives allows historians a more nuanced understanding of the events leading to WWII.