Third Republic of France

1871-1914

After the fall of Napoleon III and the end of the Franco- Prussian War…

A republican government is elected- The Third Republic

Workers had defended Paris for weeks against German troops– they had been starved into submission

Parisians felt betrayed by the surrender of the rest of France after their sacrifice

The Paris Commune- 1871

National elections were won by monarchists, basically with widespread support from the outside of Paris

Traumatized Parisians erupted into battle declaring the Paris Commune. Radical Commune leaders wanted to govern Paris without interference from monarchists and the French countryside.

Formation of 3rd Republic

Thiers, who led the National Assembly, brutally crushed the Paris Commune.

Out of this tragedy, France forms the 3rd Republic.

Monarchists failed to form a coalition for a king and NA turned moderate gov’t with a socially conservative agenda

Gambetta- Pres. 1877-1879

Most famous Strong republican base established

for 10 years after fall of Napoleon III 3rd Republic known for positive legal

changes in late 19th century

Changes included:

Trade unions legalized Acquired colonial empire in Africa Under Jules Ferry president- free

compulsory elementary education for both boys and girls

Tax supported schools expanded- encouraged nationalism

Strained relationship between 3rd Republic and RCC

Pledge of Allegiance and National anthem replace catechism and Ave Maria- marking end of support of Catholic control of education

RCC not a friend to republicanism Final break between church and

state would occur over Dreyfus Affair

Dreyfus Affair 1898-1899

Extreme anti-Semitism Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish Military

captain, was falsely accused of treason and convicted

Republicans fought to overturn the wrongful conviction, while the army, monarchists, and most Catholics supported the manufactured evidence.

Dreyfus Affair con’t

J’accuse by Emile Zola 1898 – discredits the Dreyfus evidence

Dreyfus acquitted and returned from Devil’s Island off the coast of South America

Dreyfus Affair split French society and ill feeling towards the RCC revived