Why did France suffer so many changes of regime in the first half of the
19th century?
This question requires you to discuss one key issue of French history: was there any
common factor behind all revolutions throughout 1801-1852? Or were they just
separated and disconnected incidents. In either case, you should explain your
standpoint and support your view with facts and arguments.
The topics covered in this question:
1. 1801-1815
Napoleon Bonaparte who started coup detat in 1799 and
crowned himself as king in 1804
2. 1815-30
3. 1830-48
4. 1848-52
Louis XVIII and Charles X
Louis Philippe
Provisional government, in which Louis Napoleon was chosen as
the President after the June Days.
5. 1852-70
Napoleon III who proclaimed as king after the coup detat in
1852
*** Note that June Days did not lead to the change of regime.
Argument for the common factor behind the changes of regime:
1. All revolutions/ coup detat seems to show the effect of either the French
Revolution or Napoleon Bonaparte.
2. The development of French history at that time seems to show the rise of
bourgeoisie, hence liberalism.
3. The changes of regime or the successive governments always focused on the
legacies of the French Revolution: national guard, tricolour flag, the Vienna
Settlement and all revolutions were started in Paris with similar pattern.
Argument against the common factor behind the changes of regime:
1. All revolutions/ coup detat were led by different groups of people: firstly by
haute bourgeoisie, then, petite bourgeoisie and socialist, later by one person.
2. There was no continuity of policy after the change of regime: firstly, conservative
Bourbons, then, constitutional monarchy under Louis Philippe, then Republican
government and finally Empire. From conservatism to moderate liberalism, then
changed to radical republicanism and finally nationalism under Napoleon III.
3. Even though there tends to suggest the legacies of French Revolution and
Napoleon, none of these issues alone led to the revolution/ coup detat. They just
intensified the existing conflict. e.g.the issues on tricolour flag and national guard
did not lead to any revolution. Louis Napoleon became president not solely
because of Napoleon‘s legacy, but due to the conflict between bourgeoisie and
workers during the June Days.