User interface language: English | Español

Date May 2021 Marks available 15 Reference code 21M.3op4.HL.TZ0.17
Level Higher level only Paper Paper 3 (History of Europe) Time zone TZ0
Command term To what extent Question number 17 Adapted from N/A

Question

Section 9: France (1815–1914)

“The Second Republic collapsed because it lacked popular support.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Markscheme

Candidates must consider the merits or otherwise of the statement regarding the collapse of the Second Republic. Some causes may predate the collapse including the fragile bourgeois/ working class alliance that overthrew Louis Philippe. The alliance had no clear goals and radical policies (National Workshops) were expensive. The closing of the workshops led to the June Days and Cavaignac’s repression ended the alliance, weakening the Republic. The elections of 1848 indicated the majority wanted a moderate republic, thus agreeing with the statement. Other causes for its collapse could include the desire for a strong leader and the actions of Louis Napoleon as president. He gained the support of the peasantry, who feared high taxation and the bourgeoisie, who feared socialism. Support for the Pope in Rome reconciled Catholic conservatives to Napoleon’s rule and there was limited opposition to his 1851 coup. By 1852 the Second Empire was established. Arguably, Napoleon III was the key cause as he seized the opportunity presented by the weakness of the Republic. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions should be clearly stated and supported by appropriate evidence.

Examiners report

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the Second Republic collapsed because it lacked popular support.

Syllabus sections

HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe » 9: France (1815–1914) » 1848 Revolution: Second Republic, repression and the emergence of Louis-Napoleon and the Second Empire
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe » 9: France (1815–1914)
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe
HL options: first exams 2017

View options