1848-51 From Republic to Empire

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France – How about another French Revolution? 1848 – the government of Louis-Philippe was

known for its corruption. Francois Guizot – Louis-Philippe’s minister told

the people of France to go forth and make themselves rich. For anyone who was not rich – it was his won fault according to Guizot.

French urban workers benefited little from Louis-Philippe’s reign.

Socialism was emerging

Louis-Philippe

Francois Guizot

Discontent

By 1848 there was growing discontent with Louis-Philippe

Poor harvest led to hunger and food shortages The middle class wanted greater access to power The middle bourgeois began holding banquets that were

rallies for change. February 21, 1848, the government banned such banquets.

Parisian workers took to the street – urged on by the middle bourgeois.

February 24, 1848 – Louis-Philippe fled to Britain

The Second Republic

At first – the workers of Paris began to influence the new National Assembly representing the urban workers

National Workshops and poor relief were implemented

BUT the April 23, 1848 vote – based on universal male suffrage – did not elect a government of workers or radicals. A far more conservative government of the middle and upper bourgeois was elected

June Days - 1848

June of 1848 – the poor and working class of Paris turned again to the barricades – hoping to change the government

Troops attacked and destroyed the barricades and the rebellion. Thousands were killed – social revolution was avoided.

Louis Napoleon Bonaparte

In the chaos of the June Days – many middle and upper class people of France looked to Louis Napoleon Bonaparte “Little Napoleon” for leadership.

He was Napoleon’s nephew – son of his brother and son of Josephine’s daughter

Late 1848 – Louis Napoleon wins the presidential election

Louis Napoleon

Louis Napoleon begins to argue with the National assembly as he pushes for more and more power

He makes himself appear to be the true supporter of the people

He wanted to run for re-election but it was forbidden by the new constitution. When the National Assembly refused to change the constitution, Louis Napoleon sent troops to disperse the National Assembly – on the anniversary of his uncle’s victory in the Battle of Austerlitz

Emperor

Over 10,000 people who opposed his coup were transported to Algeria

A PLEBISCITE on December 21, 1851 approved Louis Napoleon’s actions and a new constitution that gave power to Louis Napoleon. 7.5 million vs. 600,000

December 1852 – Louis Napoleon declares himself emperor and the end of the Second Republic.

The Second Empire was approved by plebiscite. Again, a democratic France was replaced by a monarchy. Conservative bourgeois triumphed over liberals and proletariat.

Napoleon III