The French Revolution of 1848 During the 1840

The French Revolution of 1848 • During the 1840 s a recession, a period of reduced economic activity, began. • “February days”- in 1848 govt. tried to silence the critics and calm the disruptive public. – Men and women revolted : – Massive destruction of the city – Churches rang their bells as alarms – Sang revolutionary songs – Confusion spread Louis Philippe abdicated. – A group of liberal, radical, and social leaders proclaimed the “Second Republic” as the new system of govt. – The government officials seemed to have many differences. • Middle class wanted moderate political reforms • Socialists wanted social and economic change that would help hungry workers. • Socialists forced the government to set up national workshops to provide jobs for the unemployed.

The French Revolution of 1848 (cont’d) • How Banquets Helped Spark Revolution: • Public banquets served food, but also allowed people to call for changes in the French govt. – – – Govt. wanted to banquets Reformers called for a bigger banquet. Students and workers clashed with soldiers The revolution was underway. June Days • Upper and middle class interests won control of govt. • Shut down national workshops – saw them as a waste of money • Workers protested “ Bread or Lead!” • Bourgeois, liberals, and peasants attacked rioters. • 1, 500 people killed before govt. stopped rebellion • Art & Revolution – Painters, writers, and composers used artistic works to fuel revolutionary spirit. – Honore Daumier- was imprisoned for caricatures » - works inspired protests » - much of work captured spirit of the Revolution. » Victor Hugo – “ Les Miserables”

The French Revolution of 1848 (cont’d) • portrayed French society in years leading up to the revolution of 1848 • Richard Wagner- European composer » Popular music carried revolutionary and republican spirit through the air. • Louis Napoleon • At the end of 1848. the National Assembly issued a constitution for the Second Republic. This constitution created a strong president and a one house legislature. This constitution also gave all men the right to vote. • The constitution is passed. Louis Napoleon easily wins the presidential election. He is able to attract the working class by showing his concern for poverty and his well know name links him with the conservatives. • Once in office, in 1852 Napoleon proclaims himself as emperor, ending the Second Republic and reinforcing the Second Empire. • would soon enlist on foreign adventures that would lead to the fall of his empire and the end of French leadership in Europe.

The French Revolution of 1848 (cont’d) • 90% of the voting men agreed with Napoleons decision to reinforce the Second Empire. They believed a monarchy was a more stable form of government then a republic. • Louis Napoleon’s reign as monarch of France begins successfully. It is a time of great prosperity and economic growth for France. • However, Louis Napoleon would soon enlist on foreign adventures that would lead to the fall of his empire and the end of French leadership in Europe.