French Third Republic

The French Third Republic was the system of government adopted in France from September 4, 1870, following the collapse of the Second French Empire during the Franco-Prussian War, until July 10, 1940, after the Fall of France in World War II. This parliamentary republic, originally envisioned as a provisional government, became the permanent form of government for France. Its early days were marked by political disruption from the Franco-Prussian War and social upheaval, including the Paris Commune. The constitutional laws of 1875 defined its structure, which included a Chamber of Deputies, a Senate, and a president as head of state.