What happened in Paris in 1848 as a result of food shortages and widespread unemployment?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-16 15:34 · grounding rag
Model Answer
In 1848, food shortages and widespread unemployment brought the population of Paris out on the roads. Barricades were erected and Louis Philippe was forced to flee. A National Assembly proclaimed a Republic, granted suffrage to all adult males above 21, guaranteed the right to work, and set up national workshops to provide employment.
Source: Chapter 1 – Nationalism in Europe, Section 3.2 Hunger, Hardship and Popular Revolt
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Explanation
- This is a 2-mark question, so two clear points are expected: (1) the immediate political outcome — Louis Philippe fled and a Republic was proclaimed, and (2) the measures taken — universal male suffrage, right to work, national workshops.
- Examiners look for specific details like "Louis Philippe forced to flee," "National Assembly," and "suffrage to adult males above 21" — avoid vague statements like "there was a revolution."
- Don't go beyond what the passage states; keep it factual and concise.