| Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 15 | Reference code | 19M.3op4.HL.TZ0.17 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of Europe) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 17 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Section 9: France (1815–1914)
“Economic factors were the main reason for the 1848 Revolution in France.” Discuss.
Markscheme
The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement. In agreeing with the statement, candidates may refer to the impact of economic hardship in France in the 1840s. The potato blight of 1845 and the failed wheat harvest of 1846 led to increasing food prices and economic hardship. In Paris there was unemployment and hunger between 1847 and 1848. Alternatively, candidates may disagree with the statement and look at non-economic reasons for the 1848 Revolution in France. These could include the unpopularity of Guizot, Louis Philippe’s Chief Minister and a growing movement in favour of political reform (the Banquet Movement). Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.
Examiners report
The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that economic factors were the main reason for the 1848 Revolution in France. Many candidates did not seem to have the knowledge base to answer this question. They tended to answer with reference to the 1789 Revolution; not that of 1848.
