AS LEVEL HISTORY A: Actual May 2025 PAST PAPER 1: The French Revolution and the Rule of
Napoleon 1774–1815. All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y243/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The AS Level History A May 2025 The French Revolution and the Rule of Napoleon 1774–1815 Paper
(OCR Y243/01) combines the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a
focused and practical revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of the political, social,
and economic causes and consequences of the French Revolution, as well as the rise and governance of
Napoleon. Candidates are required to analyse primary and secondary sources, construct structured
arguments, and evaluate differing historical interpretations. By presenting each question alongside its
marking criteria, the resource offers clear guidance on examiner expectations, analytical depth, and the
structured responses required for higher-band marks. This integrated format supports targeted revision,
strengthens source evaluation and essay-writing skills, and equips students for success in the May/June 2026
OCR AS Level History A The French Revolution and the Rule of Napoleon 1774–1815 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1* Assess the reasons for Robespierre’s rise to power. [30]
2* Assess the reasons for the success of the coup of Brumaire in 1799. [30]
© OCR 2025 Y243/01 Jun25
, 3
Section B
3 Read the interpretation and answer the question that follows.
© Mike Wells, French Revolution & The Rule Of Napoleon, p98, Hodder Education , 2018. Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of this interpretation, making reference to other
interpretations you have studied. [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y243/01 Jun25
Napoleon 1774–1815. All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y243/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The AS Level History A May 2025 The French Revolution and the Rule of Napoleon 1774–1815 Paper
(OCR Y243/01) combines the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a
focused and practical revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of the political, social,
and economic causes and consequences of the French Revolution, as well as the rise and governance of
Napoleon. Candidates are required to analyse primary and secondary sources, construct structured
arguments, and evaluate differing historical interpretations. By presenting each question alongside its
marking criteria, the resource offers clear guidance on examiner expectations, analytical depth, and the
structured responses required for higher-band marks. This integrated format supports targeted revision,
strengthens source evaluation and essay-writing skills, and equips students for success in the May/June 2026
OCR AS Level History A The French Revolution and the Rule of Napoleon 1774–1815 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1* Assess the reasons for Robespierre’s rise to power. [30]
2* Assess the reasons for the success of the coup of Brumaire in 1799. [30]
© OCR 2025 Y243/01 Jun25
, 3
Section B
3 Read the interpretation and answer the question that follows.
© Mike Wells, French Revolution & The Rule Of Napoleon, p98, Hodder Education , 2018. Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of this interpretation, making reference to other
interpretations you have studied. [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y243/01 Jun25
