Revolutionary events spread across Europe in 1848–49.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1-4] 'In March 1848, there was rioting by students in Vienna.'
2. [1-4] 'This had been encouraged by the successes of demonstrations in Paris.'
3. [1-4] 'A petition was handed to the emperor demanding a constitution and freedom of the press.'
4. [1-4] 'Troops were called out to quell the crowds and shots were fired.'
5. [1-4] 'The Diet of Lower Austria demanded the resignation of Metternich.'
6. [1-4] 'Metternich, the Chancellor and Foreign Minister, resigned and fled to London.'
7. [1-4] 'Ferdinand I appointed a liberal government under Count Kolowrat.'
8. [1-4] 'There was royal agreement to a constitution.'
9. [2-3] 'Louis ignored demands for constitutional reform.'
10. [2-3] 'Many were disappointed by the lack of social reforms.'
11. [2-3] 'There was an economic crisis with high unemployment and price rises.'
12. [2-3] 'Writers like Louis Blanc made the king unpopular.'
13. [2-3] 'The French wanted a republic.'
14. [2-3] 'The reform banquets offered the opportunity of organising opposition to the king.'
15. [2-3] 'Louis banned the banquets which increased the opposition to him.'
16. [2-3] 'In February there were demonstrations and fighting in Paris.'
17. [2-3] 'The chief minister, Guizot, and his polices made the king unpopular.'
18. [4-5] 'Louis Philippe abdicated because of the economic depression between 1846 and 1847. This was caused by poor harvests, food shortages and a financial crisis. This led to high unemployment, especially in Paris. The king became unpopular with the working class because of this. He was also unpopular with the middle class as many businessmen went bankrupt. Louis Philippe did little to help them, thinking this was not necessary as he won the elections of 1846. His failure to deal with the economic crisis made him very unpopular and led to his abdication.'
19. [6] Level 4 Explains TWO reasons (e.g., economic depression and unpopular policies).
20. [2-3] 'Liberal ideas included having the right to vote.'
21. [2-3] 'Liberals wanted a say in how their country was governed.'
22. [2-3] 'Liberals thought there should be freedom of the press.'
23. [2-3] 'Nationalists wanted independence from Imperial control.'
24. [2-3] 'Hungarians wanted freedom from control by Austria.'
25. [2-3] 'Italian nationalists wanted to form an independent Italy.'
26. [2-3] 'German nationalists wanted freedom from Austria and to unite the German states.'
27. [4-6] 'The growth of liberalism was significant in the revolutions. Many wanted the freedom to vote, worship and own land. They wanted freedom of speech to express their views and freedom of the press. People wanted a say in how their country was governed.'
28. [4-6] 'Nationalism also played a significant part in the revolutions. In Hungary, the national groups were seeking independence from an empire, whilst in Germany and Italy nationalists wished to unite with other states to form a larger nation.'
29. [7-9] Level 4 Explanation of both sides (A L4 answer will have a minimum of three explanations (2 on one side; 1 on the other). Fuller explanation of one issue to be given two marks. An answer which only has one explanation on one side of the argument cannot be awarded more than 8.)
30. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far' (As Level 4 plus evaluation.)