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Date November 2019 Marks available 15 Reference code 19N.3op4.HL.TZ0.16
Level Higher level only Paper Paper 3 (History of Europe) Time zone TZ0
Command term Discuss Question number 16 Adapted from N/A

Question

Section 8: The French Revolution and Napoleon I (1774–1815)

“Napoleon’s military reputation was the most important factor in his rise to political power.” Discuss.

Markscheme

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the contribution made by Napoleon’s military reputation to his rise to political power. The weakness of the Directory including: financial instability, political instability and threats, such as Vendémiaire and Prairial; was underlined by its increasing reliance on the military. Sieyès and others began to look for a “strong man” to head a coup and Napoleon was identified as a candidate because of his military reputation (he was one of three potential candidates.) After Brumaire, Napoleon was made Consul and then used this as a base to extend his political power as First Consul and later Emperor. Some may argue that it was his military reputation that made him a potential candidate, others may argue that it was his skill as a propagandist that contributed to his rise to power. Candidates may argue that there would have been no opportunity for a military coup without the inherent weakness of the Directory. Candidates may choose to agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe » 8: The French Revolution and Napoleon I (1774–1815) » Rise and rule of Napoleon (1799–1815); impact of Napoleon’s domestic and foreign policies on France
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe » 8: The French Revolution and Napoleon I (1774–1815)
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe
HL options: first exams 2017

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