Question 3

Were economic and social problems the main reason for the failure of the Revolution in February 1848?

• Deal with the given factor adequately even if you wish to argue that other factors were as or more significant.
• In relation to the given factor refer to the impact of:
  • the longer term problem of poverty and social unrest;
  • the impact of poor harvests in 1845-6;
  • the international financial crisis from 1846;
  • over-investment in railways;
  • rising unemployment
  • cutbacks in production.
• The distress and unrest associated with these developments may be linked to:
  • the apparent indifference of the government,
  • the growth of political opposition (liberals, Bonapartists, socialists),
  • the desire for reform (Reform Banquets),
  • foreign policy failures and lack of glories,
  • the lack of will of the monarch.