Louis Napoleon Bonaparte's inauguration as the first president of the French Second Republic occurred after he won the popular vote in a decisive landslide. The election was held during a time of instability in France, following the 1848 Revolution that resulted in the abdication of King Louis-Philippe and the establishment of the republic. The citizens, eager for change and stability, rallied around Bonaparte, who promised to bring order and prosperity to the nation. His ties to his famous uncle, Napoleon Bonaparte, also contributed to his appeal, positioning him as a symbol of national grandeur and ambition.

The inauguration took place in the National Assembly, where Bonaparte took his oath of office amidst considerable fanfare and optimism. He was greatly supported by the working class and rural voters, who resonated with his messages of social reform and national unity. His presidency was seen as a hope for revitalization after years of political strife, and he positioned himself as a candidate for the people's interests, vowing to bridge the divisions among the various factions within France.

The newfound leadership under Bonaparte marked a significant change in the French political landscape, leading to a series of conservative policies. However, it also laid the groundwork for his later establishment of an authoritarian regime, culminating in the coup d'état of 1851, which ultimately ended the Second Republic and led to the formation of the Second French Empire.