# Universal male suffrage introduced (1848)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1848-universal-male-suffrage-introduced
Location: France

Millions of adult men gained the vote, transforming electoral politics. 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 Provisional Government of 1848 (Collective executive). Universal male suffrage introduced mattered because it changed the legal or constitutional framework within which French institutions and citizens operated. 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
Universal male suffrage introduced mattered because it changed the legal or constitutional framework within which French institutions and citizens operated.

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

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