# February Revolution begins (1848)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1848-february-revolution-begins
Location: Paris
Categories: main-event

Demonstrations against the July Monarchy escalated into revolution. Within the broader Restoration, July Monarchy & Second Republic period, Post-Napoleonic France alternated between restored monarchy, constitutional reform and revolution. Industrialization, colonial expansion and new social movements culminated in the democratic upheaval of 1848. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis-Philippe I (King of the French). February Revolution begins mattered because collective action and political conflict altered the relationship between society and governing authority. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
February Revolution begins mattered because collective action and political conflict altered the relationship between society and governing authority.

Ruler at the time: [Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-napoleon-bonaparte)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — February Revolution begins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=February+Revolution+begins&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — February Revolution begins](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=February+Revolution+begins)
- [Vie-publique — French institutions and history](https://www.vie-publique.fr/)