The February 1848 Revolution began with protests against economic hardship (high unemployment, food shortages) and demands for electoral reform.
Demonstrations in Paris forced Louis Philippe to abdicate, and the Second Republic was proclaimed.
Universal male suffrage was introduced, giving millions of Frenchmen the vote for the first time.
The Republic promised social reforms, including National Workshops to provide jobs for the unemployed.
Repression and Division
The new government was divided between moderates, who wanted order, and radicals/socialists, who demanded deeper social reforms.
The June Days (1848) saw violent clashes in Paris after the closure of the National Workshops.
This repression showed that the new Republic was unwilling to pursue radical social change and highlighted the deep divide between classes.
Emergence of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte
In December 1848, Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon I, was elected president by an overwhelming majority.
His name symbolized stability, order, and national glory, appealing to peasants, conservatives, and workers alike.
Over time, Louis-Napoleon clashed with the Assembly over power.
In 1851, he staged a coup d’état, dissolving the Assembly.
Establishment of the Second Empire (1852)
In 1852, Louis-Napoleon declared himself Emperor Napoleon III, ending the Second Republic and beginning the Second Empire.
His rule promised strong leadership, modernization, and a return of French greatness, while restricting political freedoms.
Common Mistake
Students sometimes treat the 1848 Revolution as a success for democracy, forgetting how quickly it turned into repression and authoritarianism.
Some confuse Louis-Napoleon with Napoleon I, without explaining how his popularity came more from his name and image than from his actual policies at first.
Exam technique
Structure essays around phases (Revolution → Second Republic → Repression → Rise of Louis-Napoleon → Second Empire) to show change over time.
When discussing Louis-Napoleon’s rise, always link his popularity to both social divisions and his Bonaparte legacy.
Active recall
Why did the February 1848 Revolution break out, and what changes did it bring at first?
What were the causes and consequences of the June Days?
Why was Louis-Napoleon so popular in the 1848 presidential election?