Examine the reasons why the Third Republic was able to survive crises in the period 1871–1890.

The question requires that candidates examine the various crises and identify the key reasons why they were resolved. One key reason was the support of moderate politicians for a moderate republic. Thiers was willing to act ruthlessly to suppress the Commune: he moved the government to Versailles to protect it and sent in government troops. He also worked to prevent a restoration of the monarchy; this was prevented because Chambord refused to abandon the Bourbon flag. By 1875, the Wallon Amendment ensured that France remained a Republic. There were further right-wing threats, for example from the republic of Dukes, from Boulangism and after the Wilson Scandal. In each of these cases, the threat was resisted by unity between moderates and the left. Some may argue that the Republic survived because politically it was relatively stable, the same cohort of politicians made up the frequently changing governments who were able to resolve threats. It could also be argued that as a nation the population was largely conservative and wanted continuity and stability. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates examine the various crises of the Third Republic in the period 1871–1890 and identify the key reasons why they were resolved.