The June Days Uprising, known in French as Les Journées de Juin, was a significant period of civil unrest that took place in Paris from June 23 to June 26, 1848. This event marked the culmination of the tensions between the different factions in French society following the French Revolution of 1848 which had overthrown King Louis Philippe I.
The revolution of 1848 led to the establishment of the Second Republic, but it quickly became apparent that the new government was divided. There was a significant ideological split between the socialists, who advocated for social reforms and workers' rights, and the more conservative elements, including the bourgeoisie and monarchists, who feared these reforms would lead to further instability.
Unemployment was rampant, and the new government attempted to address this by setting up National Workshops, which provided work for the unemployed, mainly on public works projects. However, these were seen by many in the conservative faction as too costly and inefficient, leading to their closure in June 1848.
The decision to close the National Workshops sparked immediate and fierce resistance among the working class of Paris. On June 23, 1848, workers took to the streets in protest, erecting barricades and demanding the workshops be reopened. The uprising was not just about economic survival but also about political power, with many participants calling for a more radical, socialist government.
The government, led by the Executive Commission, responded with force. General Louis-Eugène Cavaignac was given full powers to restore order, and he did so with military might. Over four days, the army, supported by the National Guard, engaged in street battles with the insurgents. The conflict was brutal, with heavy casualties on both sides.
By June 26, the uprising was suppressed. The official death toll was over 1,500, though many believe the actual number was much higher. Around 12,000 insurgents were arrested, with 4,500 deported to Algeria, and others executed or imprisoned.
The suppression of the June Days Uprising had several immediate effects:
The June Days Uprising is often seen as a pivotal moment in European history, illustrating the deep-seated conflicts between social classes and the struggle for workers' rights. It also highlighted the fragility of the revolutionary governments and the potential for violence when economic and political expectations are not met.