Revolutions, Republics and Restorations: France Between Napoleons

Course Summary

In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte took charge of the Revolution, ending hopes for a lasting republic, and established a military dictatorship. In 1804, he declared himself Emperor. But by 1815 he had fallen from power. His successor, Louis XVIII, continued with a moderate program of modernisation but reactionary forces prevailed. In 1830, the July Revolution brought ‘bourgeois monarch’ Louis-Philippe to the throne but growing dissatisfaction forced his abdication in 1848, and a Second Republic was declared. Napoleon’s nephew was elected president, a new constitution was introduced. In 1852 he was by popular demand promoted to emperor as Napoleon III, a position he held until further dissatisfaction forced him into exile and the Third French republic was declared in 1871.

Delivered by: Dr Richard Stone

Richard has long been intrigued by history and fascinated by human creativity. An extended period of tertiary study produced a Degree in Art History and Music along with Diplomas in Art and Design and in Education, followed by a satisfying 30-year career as a teacher and lecturer in independent schools. Throughout his teaching career, Richard also practised as a painter and photographer and satisfied an urge to travel by developing a program of European study tours. Since the mid-90s, Richard has accompanied more than 20 groups of secondary students and adults to various destinations in search of cultural enlightenment. Richard has been teaching at the CAE since 2016, sharing his enthusiasm for history, literature and the arts through a range of talks.