The Second Republic (France)

The Second Republic of France was a short-lived government that lasted from 1848 to 1852. It was established after the February 1848 revolution, which ended the July Monarchy of King Louis-Philippe. The republic aimed to promote democracy and social reforms, electing Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte as president. However, his increasingly authoritarian actions led to a coup in 1851, ending the republic and paving the way for the Second Empire under his rule. The Second Republic reflected France's struggle between democratic ideals and centralized power during a period of political turbulence.