Book detail: The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte is presented as a focused source page for quotations connected with this book, collection, transcript, or source record.
This work examines the political and social circumstances surrounding the coup of 18 Brumaire (December 2, 1851), in which Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon I, dissolved the French National Assembly and seized dictatorial power. The text explores the interplay of class struggles, state power, and historical repetition, famously noting that great events occur twice: first as tragedy, then as farce. It provides a critical perspective on the rise of authoritarianism within a democratic framework, focusing on the role of the peasantry, the bourgeoisie, and the proletariat in shaping political outcomes. The analysis is grounded in the specific events of mid-19th century France, offering insights into the mechanics of political manipulation and the fragility of republican institutions.
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