Examine the impact of the domestic policies of Napoleon I on France.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the impact of the domestic policies of Napoleon I on France. Candidates may refer to the Code Napoleon, the 1801 Concordat with the Church, the establishment of the Banque de France, some degree of meritocracy, especially within the Army, education reforms and the repression of opposition. Candidates may argue that Napoleon’s domestic policies had a generally positive impact, as there was stability after the upheavals of the 1790s and the Concordat provided a settlement with the Catholic Church. Candidates may highlight the longer-term benefits for France, including the consolidation of the achievements of the Revolution and establishment of the lycées. Alternatively, candidates may argue that some domestic policies were negative. They could highlight the censorship and repression used. Although this is not a question on Napoleon’s foreign policy, candidates may comment on the domestic effects on France of years of war, including conscription of men of military age and the burden of taxation.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the impact of the domestic policies of Napoleon I on France. Some good knowledge was seen in many responses; on occasion there needed to be a tighter focus on the question.