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The First Republic (France)
The First Republic marked the first reign of Napoleon in France. It was established when he became emperor, and lasted until his exile in 1804. Many French radicals who stood behind Napoleon longed for a continuation or a repetition of the First Republic and the return of Napoleon. -
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Congress of Vienna
The Congress of Vienna reestablished the legitimacy of rulers in Europe, restored France to its original borders, determined a balance of power, and took great steps to keep France surrounded by strong powers to discourage rebellion from spreading. Many rebellions flowed from new rules and restrictions, but overall peace between the nations was maintained. All-out war across Europe would not occur until World War I. -
Polish Nationalists Fight for Independence
Instead of the Polish regaining their homeland as they had hoped for from the Congress of Vienna, Poland was divided up among Austria, Prussia, and Russia with the majority going to Russia. Polish landowners, students and army officers rose up in rebellion but were quickly crushed. Several of the revolutionaries escaped to Western Europe and the United States, keeping the rebellious dream alive. -
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Rising Discontent in France
By the start of the 1840s, France is divided: radicals still want a republic, Utopian socialists want an end to private property, and liberals are denouncing the reign of Louis Philippe. Meanwhile the Industrial Revolution makes life worse and worse for the French people, especially those living in the cities. When a recession hits and harvests fail, the French are just about ready to rise up. -
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The Great Potato Famine
The Potato Famine began in Ireland due to the spread of a strain of Phytophthora. This disease thrived in 1845, when Ireland experienced a cold an moist period of time. Crops kept failing and got worse from 1846-1849, and the Irish suffered. Suffering also came to those Irish landowners and tenants who couldn't pay their rent; the British provided little to no relief, and the Irish grew resentful. -
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Mexican American War
This war was mainly fought over land. Mexico fought to keep what they considered their property, while the U.S. fought for the land of Texas and for some of Mexico's northern lands.The war was driven by the idea of Manifest Destiny (the U.S. has the God-given right to control the continent), and was preceded by the Texas War of Independence. -
February Days
The French government attempts to suppress the public by silencing protesting critics and preventing public meetings. However, the French people will not be denied and take to the streets with bells, barricades, and belts of "La Marseillaise." Eventually, Louis Philippe abdicates the throne and a mixed group of liberals, socialists, and radicals take control and declare the Second Republic. -
June Days
By June of 1848, the upper- and middle-classes had won control of the French government, and the socialist ideas were thrown out. Workers became enraged, and the people of France took to the streets yet again. The rebellion was crushed by the government, but not before at least 1500 people lost their lives. -
Louis Napoleon Elected President
After the June Days are over, the French government is now yet again controlled by people who want to restore the old order. A new constitution for the Second Republic grants an elected president, a strong legislature, and universal male suffrage - the highest in the world at this time. A grand majority of voters decided to elect Louis Napoleon - the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte - as president. -
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Louis Napoleon and the Second Republic
After declaring himself Emperor Napoleon III in 1852, Louis Napoleon quickly established the Second Republic of France. The French people were allowed to vote for a continuation of the Second Republic and a constitution was written. Napoleon III would stay in power as emperor of France until the end of the Franco-German war of 1870, when he is captured and then deposed.
