In short
France held its first truly democratic elections on April 23, 1848, choosing representatives to a new National Assembly after the February Revolution toppled King Louis-Philippe. The vote was a landmark moment—universal male suffrage (for men over 21) replaced the property-based system—but the results were conservative, electing moderate republicans and monarchists who would prove reluctant to enact radical social reforms.
How it unfolded.
The five-minute version
What actually happened.
Elections to the French National Assembly were held in Senegal between 30 October and 2 November 1848.
As it was happening
13 voices, 292 days.
One beat at a time. Click any dot on the timeline to jump, press play for autoplay, or use the arrow keys to step.
February Revolution begins
Barricades rise across Paris; King Louis-Philippe abdicates by February 24. A provisional government declares a republic.
Voices from this moment (1)
February Revolution begins
Feb 22
“Barricades rise across Paris; King Louis-Philippe abdicates…”
As it was happening
13 voices, 292 days.
Day 0 · February 22, 1848
February Revolution begins
Barricades rise across Paris; King Louis-Philippe abdicates by February 24. A provisional government declares a republic.
“Barricades rise across Paris; King Louis-Philippe abdicates…”
- February Revolution begins, Feb 22
Day 24 · March 17, 1848
Government announces universal male suffrage
The provisional government, under pressure from radical clubs, decrees voting rights for all men over 21, multiplying the electorate roughly 40-fold.
“The provisional government, under pressure from radical…”
- Government announces universal male suffrage, Mar 17
Day 61 · April 23, 1848
National Assembly election held
Voters across France elect 900 deputies. Conservative and moderate candidates dominate; radical socialists fare poorly in rural areas. Alexis de Tocqueville is elected.
“Voters across France elect 900 deputies.”
- National Assembly election held, Apr 23
Day 72 · May 4, 1848
National Assembly convenes
The new legislature meets in Paris. Conservative and legitimist monarchists hold roughly 500 seats; moderate republicans ~300; socialists and radicals ~100.
“The new legislature meets in Paris.”
- National Assembly convenes, May 4
Day 83 · May 15, 1848
Radical demonstration and invasion of Assembly
A crowd storms the Assembly demanding military support for Polish independence. The invasion is repressed; radical leaders are arrested.
“A crowd storms the Assembly demanding military support for…”
- Radical demonstration and invasion of Assembly, May 15
Day 122 · June 23, 1848
June Days Uprising begins
Working-class Paris erupts after the government dissolves the National Workshops, a relief program. Barricades proliferate across the eastern districts.
“Working-class Paris erupts after the government dissolves…”
- June Days Uprising begins, Jun 23
Day 125 · June 26, 1848
June Days crushed
General Eugène Cavaignac leads troops in brutal suppression. Over 1,500 are killed; thousands arrested or deported. The Assembly's conservative majority hardens further.
“What mockery to grant votes in Senegal while slavery…”
- Synthesized from period accounts - Schoelcher's campaign writings, October 1848, Oct 25
“The Republic extends the light of liberty to all corners of…”
- Synthesized from period accounts - Lamartine's speeches on colonial representation, 1848, Oct 15
“The principle is noble, but the execution in Senegal risks…”
- Synthesized from period accounts - Thiers' parliamentary interventions, October 1848, Oct 20
“The four Communes of Senegal sent their voters, but most…”
- Synthesized from period accounts - administrative reports, November 1848, Nov 3
“FR: 'Senegal vote!”
- Michelet's writings in Le National, November 1848, Nov 5
“General Eugène Cavaignac leads troops in brutal suppression.”
- June Days crushed, Jun 26
Day 292 · December 10, 1848
Presidential election
Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte (nephew of Napoleon) wins the presidency with 74% of votes, emerging as the strongman voters now demand.
“Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte (nephew of Napoleon) wins the…”
- Presidential election, Dec 10
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The web as it looked, the day it happened.
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Sources & citations.
Sources
Where this came from.
Every claim on this page traces to a public, license-clean source. We don't asterisk well.
Wikipedia
1 source- 1.French legislative election, 1848 (Senegal)
en.wikipedia.org