In light of the disastrous outcome of the Franco-Prussian War (from the perspective of the French), dissatisfaction with the Second Empire was at an all-time high. Though disillusionment had been stirring for some time, this was the final straw. It wasn't long before the people, namely the working-class, took to the streets to express their concerns, demanding the formation of a new government--a republic--to replace the monarchy and restore rights to the French people. Join me for the first half of a two-part special on this tumultuous time in French history.