Dalla Seconda Repubblica al Secondo Impero. Politica, istituzioni e conflitti in Francia. Alcune riflessioni

Following the revolutionary events of 1848, contemporaries and early scholars directed particular attention to the political-institutional crisis that precipitated France’s rapid transition from the Second Republic to the Second Empire. Subsequently, there was a prolonged period of relative silence, with a significant resurgence in historiographical interest occurring only in the post-Second World War era. After elucidating the reasons for this delay, the author reviews the primary areas of research and takes stock of the advancements made in understanding democracy and Bonapartism, with a focus on representation, politics and institutions. Additionally, the author suggests avenues for further research development in these areas.