“Stability was the main domestic benefit of the Second Empire.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the most significant domestic benefit of the Second Empire was that it brought stability to France. In support of the statement, candidates may refer to the lack of open opposition to the regime until the late 1860s. Candidates may also argue that, even at that point, the promise of liberalization reduced opposition (perhaps noting the 1870 plebiscite in support of this). The extent of support for the Second Empire, especially in conservative rural areas might also be cited as evidence of stability. Some candidates may mention the strong centralized administrative structure that maintained stability. Others may argue that the political stability was superficial, as opposition was unable to function because of the authoritarian nature of the empire and that there was significant working class opposition to the empire, especially in Paris and northern France. The working classes did not benefit from the economic prosperity of the period and their discontent became obvious following France’s military defeat in the war against Prussia, during which the empire was easily overthrown.