“The state played the most significant role in achieving economic recovery during ‘Les Trente Glorieuses’ in France.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the state played the most significant role in achieving economic recovery during “Les Trente Glorieuses” in France. Candidates may support the statement citing redistributive plans and state policies to avoid inequalities and inflation. Candidates may also refer to the creation of state planning institutions such as the DATAR, and the participation of France in the European Economic Community, (EEC) that also helped economic recovery. Candidates may challenge the statement discussing the positive impact of the Marshall Plan and the Bretton Woods Agreement; population growth that led to increased economic activity; the role played by private companies; as well as scientific and technical progress that aided economic recovery. 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 statement that the state played the most significant role in achieving economic recovery during 'Les Trente Glorieuses' in France. Few responses were seen to this question. Of those that were seen, some good knowledge and coherent arguments were provided.