French Presidential Elections of 1848: A Historical Overview

The Genesis of the Second Republic

The French Presidential Elections of 1848 marked a pivotal moment in French history. They took place amidst the political turmoil of the 1848 Revolutions and led to the establishment of the Second Republic.

Constituent Assembly Elections

Prior to the presidential elections, Constituent Assembly elections were held on 23 and 24 April 1848. The purpose of these elections was to establish the Constituent Assembly, which would draft a constitution for the new Second Republic.

Around 84% of registered voters participated in these elections, demonstrating the eagerness of the French people for political change. Liberal republicans closely aligned with the provisional government gained a significant presence in the Assembly.

The Presidential Election

The presidential elections were held on 10 and 11 December 1848. Prince Louis Napoleon, a nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, emerged victorious.

Louis Napoleon's victory was attributed to several factors, including his famous name, his military experience, and his populist appeal. He defeated other candidates such as Eugène Cavaignac, the head of the provisional government, and Adolphe Thiers, a conservative politician.