Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial
revolution, world wars.
2) Napoleon was the child of the Revolution, but in many ways he reversed the aims and principles of the movement from which he sprang. Critically analyze.(250 words)
Key demand of the question
The question makes two basic assertions which have to be analyzed. That Napolean was the child of the revolution meaning that his rise can be attributed to French revolution and that he disregarded the aims and principles of the French revolution. These have to be critically analyzed ie the veracity of these assertions have to be established or unfounded.
Directive word
Critically analyze – When asked to analyze, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary. You need to conclude with a fair judgement, after analyzing the nature of each component part and interrelationship between them.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Highlight the overall significance of Napolean in the history of Europe in general and France in particular.
Body – For the first part of your answer, highlight the political instability in France at the time of the revolution as a result of the French Revolution. This provided an opportunity to Napolean to take charge and declare himself to be the emperor of France. This is how he came to power and could be described as the child of the revolution.
Thereafter, examine the principles of French revolution contained in the constitution of 1789 and how Napolean changed these principles thereafter in his constitution. Examine the changes related to economy, polity, society etc that Napolean made which reversed the progress of French revolution. As an opposite view, one can also write how Napolean helped spread the ideal of French revolution through his wars in Europe which was ultimately corrected through the Vienna Congress.
Conclusion – present your view by summarising your arguments and discuss the overall contribution of Napolean.
