History HL Paper 3 Europe 
M08/3/HISTX/HP3/ENG/TZ0/EU/M+
MARKSCHEME
May 2008
HISTORY – EUROPE
Higher Level
Paper 3
21 pages
–2–
M08/3/HISTX/HP3/ENG/TZ0/EU/M+
This markscheme is confidential and for the exclusive use of examiners in this examination session.
It is the property of the International Baccalaureate and must not be reproduced or distributed to any other person without the authorization of IB Cardiff.
–3–
1.
M08/3/HISTX/HP3/ENG/TZ0/EU/M+
To what extent was the French monarchy both the main cause and the main victim of the
1789 French Revolution?
This question is about the French monarchy as an institution, not only Louis XVI, thus the first part of the question needs an analysis of the nature of the monarchy, as head of an outdated feudal system and as a cause of the revolution, as well as of the actions of Louis. It could be relevant to give a brief background, possibly mentioning Louis XIV, then show the absolutist nature of the monarchy (no States General was called for 175 years until 1789). Government finances relied upon a mixture of increasingly burdensome direct and indirect taxation. Louis XVI was considered weak and incompetent, debt increased, and a series of ministers failed to solve it. But there were other causes, such as the economic situation, influence of the philosophers, and the American War of Independence.
The monarchy was a victim, in that Louis was executed, and the revolution was at least partly responsible for the dauphin’s death. The monarchy’s former absolutist power was removed by legislation, and it was abolished in 1792 (but restored in 1814). However there were other victims, and some judgment should be given on “main”. The question is intended to provoke thought on the nature of both the monarchy and the revolution. There are many ways of addressing the question, so reward what is written and relevant.
[0 to 7 marks] for inadequate knowledge and comments.
[8 to 10 marks] for narrative of causes and results with some implicit judgement.
MARKSCHEME
May 2008
HISTORY – EUROPE
Higher Level
Paper 3
21 pages
–2–
M08/3/HISTX/HP3/ENG/TZ0/EU/M+
This markscheme is confidential and for the exclusive use of examiners in this examination session.
It is the property of the International Baccalaureate and must not be reproduced or distributed to any other person without the authorization of IB Cardiff.
–3–
1.
M08/3/HISTX/HP3/ENG/TZ0/EU/M+
To what extent was the French monarchy both the main cause and the main victim of the
1789 French Revolution?
This question is about the French monarchy as an institution, not only Louis XVI, thus the first part of the question needs an analysis of the nature of the monarchy, as head of an outdated feudal system and as a cause of the revolution, as well as of the actions of Louis. It could be relevant to give a brief background, possibly mentioning Louis XIV, then show the absolutist nature of the monarchy (no States General was called for 175 years until 1789). Government finances relied upon a mixture of increasingly burdensome direct and indirect taxation. Louis XVI was considered weak and incompetent, debt increased, and a series of ministers failed to solve it. But there were other causes, such as the economic situation, influence of the philosophers, and the American War of Independence.
The monarchy was a victim, in that Louis was executed, and the revolution was at least partly responsible for the dauphin’s death. The monarchy’s former absolutist power was removed by legislation, and it was abolished in 1792 (but restored in 1814). However there were other victims, and some judgment should be given on “main”. The question is intended to provoke thought on the nature of both the monarchy and the revolution. There are many ways of addressing the question, so reward what is written and relevant.
[0 to 7 marks] for inadequate knowledge and comments.
[8 to 10 marks] for narrative of causes and results with some implicit judgement.