Evaluate the impact of Napoleon I’s foreign policies on France.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the consequences for France, of Napoleon’s expansionist foreign policies. There may be consideration of the economic, social and political impact of his policies. Social impact may include the consequences of conscription and high casualties, and the alienation of some groups because of the imprisonment of the Pope. Economic impact may include high taxation and the dislocation of trade because of the Continental System. It may also be argued that one of the main consequences was the coalition’s invasions of France from 1813 and the imposition of a financial indemnity. Some candidates, citing the various conspiracies against him and ultimately his abdication and the Bourbon restoration, may also argue that Napoleon’s concentration on foreign policies destabilized the state. It may even be suggested that, despite his early success, Napoleon’s foreign policies were, overall, detrimental to France.