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The Second Republic (1848-1851)
The Second Republic follows the return of the monarchy. It is proclaimed on 24 February 1848, after King Louis-Philippe gives up the throne (abdication).
Key points of the sheet
- A provisional government is appointed first. Then Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon I, is elected president in 1848.
- At that time, many French people are unemployed. The government creates the "Ateliers nationaux" (national workshops) to give work to unemployed people in Paris.
- Louis-Napoléon represents a hope of democratic renewal, but he quickly becomes an authoritarian leader. On 2 December 1851, his coup d'état ends the Second Republic.
- The right to vote is extended. Universal suffrage replaces suffrage censitaire (voting for an elite only), for all men aged at least 21.
- The provisional government affirms freedom of the press and freedom of assembly.
- The Second Republic ends the death penalty for political offences (délits politiques). It is a first step towards the total abolition of the death penalty in France.
- At that time, slavery is abolished for good in the French colonies. This is done by the decree of 27 April 1848, written by Victor Schœlcher.
Words to know
- provisional government (gouvernement provisoire)
- It is the government appointed at the start of the Second Republic. It affirms freedom of the press and of assembly.
- national workshops (Ateliers nationaux)
- The government creates them to give work to unemployed people in Paris.
- coup d'état (coup d’État)
- Louis-Napoléon organises a coup d'état on 2 December 1851. It ends the Second Republic.
- restricted suffrage (suffrage censitaire)
- It is a right to vote reserved for an elite. Universal suffrage replaces it under the Second Republic.
- universal male suffrage (suffrage universel masculin)
- The Second Republic introduces it. All men aged at least 21 can vote.
Test yourself: 3 questions
When is the Second Republic proclaimed?
In French, the language of the exam: Quand la IIème République est-elle proclamée ?
The Second Republic is proclaimed on 24 February 1848, after King Louis-Philippe gives up the throne.
Who organises the coup d'état of 2 December 1851?
In French, the language of the exam: Qui organise le coup d’État du 2 décembre 1851 ?
On 2 December 1851, Louis-Napoléon organises a coup d'état that ends the Second Republic.
Under the Second Republic, from what age can men vote?
In French, the language of the exam: Sous la IIème République, à partir de quel âge les hommes peuvent-ils voter ?
Universal suffrage is given to all men aged at least 21.
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More in this topic (Political regimes since 1789)
- The end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of the First Republic (1789-1792)
- The First Republic (1792-1804)
- The Fourth Republic (1946-1958)
Source
Sheet “La IIème République (1848-1851)” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.