The collapse of the French monarchy in February 1848 promised to realise dreams of social revolution for part of the population and a nightmare vision of the collapse of Christian civilisation for others. Roger Price, in an introductory essay, examines the ways in which this bitter conflict was resolved through brutal military repression and the ultimate establishment of the Second Empire in December 1852. The political events of 1848 and the Second Republic are set within their social context.

The accompanying documents offer unique insights into the processes of revolution and counter-revolution during a formative period of French history.