Oct 6, 2008

Symbolism | Compare and Contrast

1850–1900: France experiences several internal rebellions and major changes of government. The Second Republic, a constitutional democracy ruled by a president, lasts from the Revolution of 1848 until 1852. The Second Empire, under the rule of Emperor Napoleon III, remains relatively stable from 1852 until 1870. The Third Republic, a constitutional democracy with a president, remains relatively stable from 1871 until the German occupation of France in 1940.

Today: The current French government, known as the Fifth Republic, is a constitutional democracy ruled by a...