Photo AI
Study Sources A and B in the Sources Booklet - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
Study Sources A and B in the Sources Booklet. How useful are Sources A and B for an enquiry into the treatment of battle injuries by medical staff on the Western Fr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Study Sources A and B in the Sources Booklet - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
How useful are Source A?
Answer
Source A is a photograph of a casualty clearing station. It is useful to an extent as it visually represents the environment where injuries were treated. However, its reliability is somewhat limited because it may have been staged to reassure the public. While it shows that minor injuries were treated on site, the absence of detail about the historical context makes it difficult to ascertain its overall utility in reflecting typical conditions on the Western Front.
Step 2
How useful are Source B?
Answer
Source B is a diary entry from a soldier detailing injuries encountered and the treatment provided. This source is highly useful as it gives firsthand insights into the severity of injuries and medical responses. The nature of the diary provides context about the emotional experience of soldiers and the operations conducted. However, it could misrepresent the situation if selected entries exaggerate the conditions for dramatic effect.
Step 3
Evaluation of both sources
Answer
When evaluating both sources, one must consider their provenance and purpose. Source A serves to inform the public and may not accurately depict the treatment environment. In contrast, Source B aims to document personal experiences, which can be more reliable but still subjective. Together, they provide a more holistic view of the treatment of battle injuries, but contextual knowledge about the conditions during the war must be applied to assess their collective usefulness.