Discuss the reasons why France became a republic, with reference to the period 1789–1792.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the key reasons that France became a republic by 1792. Candidates should consider the original demands of 1788/89 which were for reform of the monarchy and constitutional system. The National Assembly formed after the Tennis Court Oath was largely moderate. Some may discuss the importance of a radical populace, especially in Paris, where demands for an improved standard of living had led to the storming of the Bastille. The impact of the behaviour of Louis XVI could be discussed; he reluctantly signed the 1791 Constitution and the flight to Varennes increased support for Republicanism. Another factor increasing support for Republicanism was the emergence of radical groups, especially the Jacobins, whose support base were the sans-culottes of Paris. The continuing economic crisis and the unstable currency (the assignat) and fear of foreign invasion (Brunswick Manifesto) also increased support for a republic. The Jacobins staged a coup in August 1792 and a republic was declared in September 1792. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why France became a Republic, with reference to the period 1789–1792. Some candidates provided relevant knowledge of events in the relevant period: for example, the Flight to Varennes. However, candidates sometimes needed to explain more clearly why specific events led to France becoming a republic.