In a calculated move on December 2, Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, who had been elected President of the French Second Republic in 1848, executed a coup d'état that would alter the course of French politics. Faced with the expiration of his presidential term and growing opposition from the National Assembly, Bonaparte sought to consolidate his power and extend his presidency. He gathered loyal troops in Paris and orchestrated a series of strategic moves that included the disbandment of the National Assembly. The coup was marked by swift and decisive action, as Bonaparte's forces occupied key locations throughout the city.

Bonaparte's declaration that he was taking control of the government was met with varied reactions from the populace. While some supported him as a protector against chaos, others resisted, leading to violent clashes. In the aftermath, Bonaparte staged a plebiscite in which voters overwhelmingly supported his actions, allowing him to solidify his rule. This coup paved the way for the establishment of the Second French Empire, where he eventually proclaimed himself Emperor Napoleon III in 1852, reshaping France's political landscape and its version of republicanism.

Bonaparte's coup also had implications beyond France; it sparked debates about authority and legitimacy in governance across Europe. The events underscored the fragility of democratic institutions during this period and set a precedent for future authoritarian figures in the region. The tension between elected leaders and the legislative bodies remained a frequent theme in 19th-century European politics, illustrating the ongoing struggles between republicanism and authoritarianism.