What Came After The Second French Empire: The Post-Imperial Era

After the collapse of the Second French Empire, a significant transformation unfolded in France’s political landscape. On the 4th of September 1870, amidst the backdrop of an ongoing conflict with Germany, the Second Empire officially fell. This pivotal moment saw the declaration of a Republic and the establishment of a provisional government. However, the nation’s challenges were far from over. Just 15 days later, on the 19th of September, the city of Paris found itself under siege, marking the beginning of a tumultuous period. The relentless struggle for control of the capital persisted for a grueling one hundred days, ultimately culminating in the city’s surrender on the 28th of January 1871. This period of transition and turmoil laid the groundwork for a new chapter in French history.

After the Napoleonic Wars, France experienced a series of significant political transitions. Initially ruled as a monarchy, it briefly adopted the governance of the Second Republic, which was followed by the establishment of the Second Empire. This imperial regime lasted until 1870, when a more enduring French Third Republic was formed, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.