This book, first published in 1975, examines the events of the French Second Republic, the themes of protest and repression in particular. It analyses how popular discontent is mobilised and becomes political protest and revolution, and how the machinery of government operates in a crisis situation.

1. Introduction 2. Parisian Producers Associations (1830–51): The Socialism of Skilled Workers Bernard H. Moss 3. Economic Change and Artisan Discontent: The Tailors’ History, 1800–48 Christopher H. Johnson 4. The Paris Club Movement in 1848 Peter Amann 5. The Revolutionary Police of 1848 Patricia O’Brien 6. Civil–Military Relations in Paris, 1848 Jonathan M. House 7. The People of June, 1848 Charles Tilly and Lynn H. Lees 8. Radicalisation and Repression: a Study of the Demobilisation of the ‘Démoc-Socs’ During the Second French Republic John Merriman 9. Mask of Revolution: a Study of Popular Culture During the Second French Republic Robert J. Bezucha 10. Modernisation and Insurgency in December 1851: a Case Study of the Drome Ted Maragadant 11. The Prefects and Political Repression: February 1848 to December 1851 Howard Machin 12. The Coup détat of December 1851: Repression and The Limits to Repression Vincent Wright