Napoleon III deposed; Third Republic proclaimed in Paris (1870–1871)

On 4 September 1870, following the capture of Emperor Napoleon III at Sedan, Parisian deputies proclaimed the abolition of the monarchy and established the Third Republic. Empress Eugénie, who had served as de facto head of state since July, fled to England with her son. This event marked the collapse of the Second French Empire and the beginning of the Government of National Defence.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Second French Empire collapsed during the Franco-Prussian War. Napoleon III, who had ruled as Emperor since 1852, was captured by Prussian forces at the Battle of Sedan on 1 September 1870. Empress Eugénie had acted as de facto head of state from July 1870. The defeat led to political disruption in Paris, where deputies moved to establish a provisional government.

Proclamation in Paris. On 4 September 1870, Parisian deputies led by Léon Gambetta established the Government of National Defence. The abolition of the monarchy was proclaimed in front of the Palais Bourbon, the seat of the Corps Législatif. This action created the French Third Republic, which continued to wage war against Prussia after the Emperor's fall.

Imperial Exile. Empress Eugénie fled to England with her son following the proclamation. Napoleon III was held in captivity at Schloss Wilhelmshöhe near Kassel from September 1870 to March 1871. He later arrived in England on 20 March 1871 after selling properties and jewels to fund his exile.

People involved

Sources

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