Third French Republic
The government of France from 1870 to 1940, after the fall of the French Empire.
What is it?
The Third French Republic was the republican government of France that began after the defeat of Napoleon III in the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. It lasted until 1940 when France was occupied by Nazi Germany. During this period, France experienced the Siege of Paris, the Paris Commune, and World War I. It was a time of political instability but also of cultural flourishing, including the Impressionist art movement.
Why it matters
The Third Republic saw many changes in French society and art. The painting of the Siege of Paris was created at the beginning of this period. Understanding this period helps you understand the context of late 19th-century French art.
Where you've seen it
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