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

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.

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