What conditions prevailed in 1848 France?

  • The year 1848 was the year of food shortages and widespread unemployment. It brought the population of Paris on the roads.
  • Barricades were erected and Louis Phillippe was forced to flee.
  • A National Assembly proclaimed a Republic, granted suffrage to all adult males above the age of 21 and guaranteed the right to work. National workshops to provide employment were also set up.