Why would anyone write another blog about the French Revolution?
The early stages of the French Revolution are well documented as is Napoleon’s rise and fall.
But the years between the restoration of the monarchy when Napoleon is sent to St. Helena and the start of the Third Republic in 1870 are glossed over. My intention is to shine the light on these years.
The years of revolt during the restoration are the years another Napoleon, Prince Louis Napoleon, grows up and follows the path of his uncle. He finds a perfect partner in an unknown soldier called Persigny.
His contribution has been overlooked by by the Third Republic who chose to take all the glory
When he leaves France in 1870, France has become a modern, commercial democracy with close ties with England. Never again will the Church and the Royals have power in France. The Third republic will last a long time.
The French Revolution is over! But the caldron still bubbles from time to time!
Who started the French Revolution?
Was the blood thirsty and destructive mob to blame or was the King a tyrant who would accept no changes?
Louis Eighteenth raising France from the ruins
How could the King enact this farce which made it clear that he believed the French Revolution had not happened?
The family of pigs are brought back to the pigsty
Political cartoons show people’s reactions to events in a revealing way which helps us understand them.
Napoleon, Josephine and their pug, Fortuné
Political cartoons show people’s reactions to events in a revealing way which helps us understand them.
Family life before Napoleon returned from elba
This is a lovely family portrait, painted many years after the scene but I wonder how realistic it is or is it simply a vanity project?
Napoleon - family moments
Why is Napoleon looking a little stern at his favourite, but naughty, nephew?
Napoleon sent to Elba
This political cartoon mocks Napoleon as he prepares to leave for Elba but for my part I think the jubilant onlookers are counting their chickens before they are hatched and I wonder what you think?
Where is the key to the Bastille now? or how many riots does it take to make a revolution?
There are small revolutions and big ones; this one is the granddaddy of them all and I hope you enjoy the blog!
de Gaulle explains the new constitution TO A very young Marianne
France has established something of a record in changing its republics but in this case another General is ready to save France from yet another revolution and he does so in a spectacular fashion