OCR A Level History A /The Renaissance c.1400–
c.1600 (Y305/01)
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
May 2026 – Morning
A Level History A
Y305/01 The Renaissance c.1400–c.1600
Time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes
*1407115273*
You must have:
• the OCR 12‑page Answer Booklet
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers must
be clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Answer the question in Section A and any two questions in Section B.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 80.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
, 2
Section A
Read the two passages and answer Question 1.
1 Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages.
Explain which you think is more convincing as an explanation of the impact of war on Venice. [30]
Passage A
Adapted from John Julius Norwich, A History of Venice, p 432-636, Penguin Books, 2003. From first line "It is surprising that Venice lasted as long as she did." to last line "Her much-vaunted defeat of the Turks at Lepanto in 1571 did her no good at all." (UK Rights only) Item removed due to additional coun
Passage B
Adapted from Thomas F. Madden, Venice: A New History, p 284-334, Penguin Books, 2012.. From first line "Venetians routinely fought difficult and expensive wars in Italy and against Muslims." to last line "It held great psychological importance for all Christians, but especially for the Venetians." Item removed due to
, 3
Section B
Answer any two questions.
2* ‘Printing was the most important factor in artistic and cultural development throughout the
Renaissance.’
How far do you agree with this view of the period from c.1400 to c.1600? [25]
3* To what extent did the Church succeed in dealing with its problems in the period from c.1400 to
c.1600? [25]
4* ‘Technological advances were the most important development in warfare during the
Renaissance.’
How far do you agree with this view of the period from c.1400 to c.1600? [25]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
c.1600 (Y305/01)
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
May 2026 – Morning
A Level History A
Y305/01 The Renaissance c.1400–c.1600
Time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes
*1407115273*
You must have:
• the OCR 12‑page Answer Booklet
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers must
be clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Answer the question in Section A and any two questions in Section B.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 80.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
, 2
Section A
Read the two passages and answer Question 1.
1 Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages.
Explain which you think is more convincing as an explanation of the impact of war on Venice. [30]
Passage A
Adapted from John Julius Norwich, A History of Venice, p 432-636, Penguin Books, 2003. From first line "It is surprising that Venice lasted as long as she did." to last line "Her much-vaunted defeat of the Turks at Lepanto in 1571 did her no good at all." (UK Rights only) Item removed due to additional coun
Passage B
Adapted from Thomas F. Madden, Venice: A New History, p 284-334, Penguin Books, 2012.. From first line "Venetians routinely fought difficult and expensive wars in Italy and against Muslims." to last line "It held great psychological importance for all Christians, but especially for the Venetians." Item removed due to
, 3
Section B
Answer any two questions.
2* ‘Printing was the most important factor in artistic and cultural development throughout the
Renaissance.’
How far do you agree with this view of the period from c.1400 to c.1600? [25]
3* To what extent did the Church succeed in dealing with its problems in the period from c.1400 to
c.1600? [25]
4* ‘Technological advances were the most important development in warfare during the
Renaissance.’
How far do you agree with this view of the period from c.1400 to c.1600? [25]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
