Subscribe for more great content – and remove ads
What is happening in France in 1871CE
King Louis Philippe’s attempts to stem more liberal forces led to the Revolution of 1848. This resulted in the setting up of the Second Republic, under the presidency of Napoleon’s nephew, Louis Napoleon Bonaparte. Following a similar pattern to the previous Revolutionary Republic, this also gave way to an Emperor Napoleon, Napoleon III (from 1851).
After years of mounting tension with Prussia, and fearing her growing power, Napoleon III declared war in 1870. There followed, for France, the disastrous military defeat at Sedan and the siege of Paris, which has finally ended in January of this year (1871). France has lost Alsace-Lorraine to the new German Empire, and the war has been followed immediately by the uprising of the Paris Commune, which is only crushed, by a French army, after bitter street fighting.
Subscribe for more great content – and remove ads
Subscribe for more great content – and remove ads
What else is happening in the rest of the world...

Europe history 200CE
The Roman Empire has given much of Europe two centuries of peace and prosperity

Spain and Portugal history 200CE
Spain and Portugal have become thoroughly Romanized after centuries of Roman rule

Britain history 200CE
A Roman province now covers the southern half of the British Isles

Central Europe history 200CE
Central Europe is dominated by German and Sarmatian tribes

Africa history 200CE
All of North Africa is now part of the Roman empire, while to the south the Bantu migration continues
What else is happening in the rest of the world...

Europe history 500CE
The western Roman empire has fallen to German invaders, but the eastern Roman empire remains intact

Britain history 500CE
The Roman province is no more, as is the Roman civilization which it nourished

Central Europe history 500CE
The rise and fall of the Huns has had a huge impact on this region
What else is happening in the rest of the world...

Europe history 750CE
Medieval Europe is beginning to emerge from the wreckage of the Ancient World.

Spain and Portugal history 750CE
Muslim forces from North Africa have conquered most of present-day Spain and Portugal.

Britain history 750CE
A collection of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms now covers most of present-day England, and the rest of the British Isles is home to numerous Celtic tribes and kingdoms
Lost your way? See a list of all maps
Subscribe for more great content – and remove ads