# Fourth Republic constitution adopted (1946)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1946-fourth-republic-constitution-adopted
Location: France
Categories: main-event

A new parliamentary constitution created the Fourth Republic. Within the broader Occupation, Liberation & Fourth Republic period, Defeat in 1940 divided France between Vichy, occupation and resistance. Liberation restored republican government, followed by reconstruction, welfare-state building, European integration and violent decolonization under the Fourth Republic. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Charles de Gaulle (Leader of Free France / Provisional Government). Fourth Republic constitution adopted 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
Fourth Republic constitution adopted mattered because it changed the legal or constitutional framework within which French institutions and citizens operated.

Ruler at the time: [Charles de Gaulle](https://history-france.com/rulers/charles-de-gaulle-1940)

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