Examiner’s Specific Advice

This question tests several skills and also your knowledge of the topic; in this case the instability of politics in the early 1930s and why there was, for a time, a significant rise in support for Mosley and the BUF. The question requires a focused explanation of a range of reasons why Mosley made such an impact. 

The key thing is not to narrate and describe, but to use your knowledge purposefully in order to explain what happened and why. You should also think about the length of your answer – a shorter, more coherent and controlled answer is always preferable to a longer, more detailed answer that is unfinished or lacking in clarity and accuracy. The amount of detail you include should take into account the number of marks available. You need to produce a concise answer to this 12-mark question in order to ensure you have adequate time to deal with the longer, essay-type question that follows.

Exemplar Question

1 (01) Explain why there was a surge in support for the BUF (British Union of Fascists) between 1932 and 1934.  [12 marks]

Plan

• Identify the political context of 1932–34 – why extremist politics had an opportunity
• The strengths of Oswald Mosley as a leader
• Why many people were attracted to support the BUF
• Conclusion – any links, or prioritisation?

View Exemplar Answer 1

View Exemplar Answer 2