The Revolutions of 1848 in France

The Events of February

A banquet was planned for Paris's 12th arrondissement on the restive Left Bank. It was, however, moved to the right bank with a price increase, first set for Sunday, February 20, 1848, then moved to the next Tuesday. This was so the working people, surrounded by walls, could not watch.

Related Topics:
12th arrondissement - Left Bank - Right bank - February 20

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The planned crashing of this party was canceled. Law and order would prevail, though the students prepared for battle with firearms. Still, nothing happened that Tuesday. But revolution was inevitable.

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In February, Prime Minister Guizot resigned, and soon after, King Louis Phillipe abdicated. Upon hearing the news of Guizot's resignation, a large crowd gathered outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An officer ordered the crowd not to pass, but people in the front of the crowd were being pushed by the rear. The officer ordered his men to fix bayonets, probably wishing to avoid shooting. However, in what is widely regarded as an accident, a soldier discharged his musket, which resulted in the rest of the soldiers firing into the crowd. Fifty two people were killed.

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Paris was soon a barricaded city. Omnibuses were turned into barricades, and thousands of trees were felled. Fires were set, and angry citizens began converging on the royal palace. King Louis Phillipe managed to escape to England.

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