The French Second Republic was the republican government of France between the 1848 Revolution and the 1851 coup by Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, which led to the establishment of the Second French Empire. Here are some key aspects:
Background and Establishment
Key Events
- The June Days Uprising: This was a major workers' revolt in Paris in June 1848, suppressed by General Cavaignac, leading to many deaths and marking a shift towards conservative politics.
- Constitution of 1848: The new constitution was ratified on November 4, 1848, establishing a unicameral Legislative Assembly, a President elected by universal male suffrage, and a five-year term limit for the presidency.
- Election of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte: In December 1848, Louis-Napoleon was elected as President with a large majority, leveraging the name of his uncle, Napoleon Bonaparte.
Political Landscape
- The Second Republic was characterized by political instability, with numerous factions including monarchists, republicans, socialists, and Bonapartists vying for power.
- The National Assembly was dominated by a conservative majority, which led to tensions with more radical elements, especially those who supported social reforms.
End of the Republic
Legacy
- The Second Republic introduced significant reforms like universal male suffrage, which was a step towards democratization, although it was short-lived.
- It also highlighted the tensions between different political ideologies in France, setting the stage for future political developments.
Sources
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