“The Revolution had a significant social and economic impact up to 1799.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the economy and social structure of France was affected by the Revolution. The impact could be both negative and positive. The economic impact was largely negative with growing inflation and the fluctuating value of the assignat, which collapsed in 1796. The war was costly and damaged manufacturing and trade (exports fell by 50 %); this is directly linked to the revolution. Arguably there was significant social change with the end of the monarchy and feudalism. The bourgeoisie gained power, wealth and influence and dominated politics to a great extent. The peasantry was no longer restricted by feudalism and retained land gained, so a large class of small landowners was established. Despite the Terror and emigration (7–8 %) the position of the nobility remained largely unchanged as they retained most of their landholdings. In the cities where the sans culottes gained little economically or politically, the Revolution had little permanent impact on their lives. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the economy and social structure of France was affected by the Revolution. Few responses were seen to this question. Some candidates tended to generalize and needed more specific knowledge.