1. National Constituent Assembly (1789-1791):
- After the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the National Constituent Assembly was formed. It aimed to draft a constitution, abolish feudal privileges, and establish a constitutional monarchy.
2. Legislative Assembly (1791-1792):
- The Legislative Assembly replaced the National Constituent Assembly and was formed based on the new constitution of 1791. It included a single-chamber parliament and a weak monarchy.
3. National Convention (1792-1795):
- The National Convention came to power after the overthrow of King Louis XVI in 1792 and the establishment of the First French Republic. It introduced universal male suffrage, abolished slavery in the colonies, and instituted the radical Jacobin government known as the Reign of Terror.
4. Directory (1795-1799):
- The Directory was a five-person executive body that succeeded the National Convention under the new Constitution of 1795. The Directory faced instability, corruption, and political struggles, leading to its downfall.
5. Consulate (1799-1804):
- The Consulate was established after the coup d'état of 1799, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, who became First Consul. The Consulate brought stability to France and implemented many reforms, including the Napoleonic Code.
6. First French Empire (1804-1814):
- In 1804, Napoleon declared himself Emperor of the French and established the First French Empire. He continued his military conquests and expanded French control across Europe.
7. Bourbon Restoration (1814-1830):
- After Napoleon's defeat in 1814, the Bourbon monarchy was restored under King Louis XVIII. The period saw tensions between royalists and supporters of revolutionary ideals.
8. July Revolution (1830):
- The July Revolution of 1830 led to the overthrow of King Charles X and the crowning of Louis-Philippe I, who established a more liberal constitutional monarchy known as the July Monarchy.
9. Second Republic (1848-1852):
- The February Revolution of 1848 resulted in the overthrow of King Louis-Philippe I and the establishment of the Second Republic. This period saw the creation of universal male suffrage and the emergence of social tensions and worker's movements.
10. Second French Empire (1852-1870):
- In 1852, Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon I, staged a coup d'état and proclaimed himself Emperor Napoleon III, beginning the Second French Empire.
11. Third Republic (1870-1940):
- The Franco-Prussian War in 1870 led to the fall of the Second Empire, and the Third Republic was established in its place. This period lasted until World War II and saw the development of a parliamentary system and the separation of church and state.
12. Vichy Regime (1940-1944):
- After the defeat of France in World War II and the occupation by Germany, the Vichy Regime was established under Marshal Philippe Pétain, known for its collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II.
13. Fourth Republic (1946-1958):
- The Fourth Republic was established after World War II and the Liberation of France. It faced issues of political instability and colonial conflicts.
14. Fifth Republic (1958-Present):
- The Fifth Republic was established in 1958 under Charles de Gaulle, which strengthened the powers of the presidency and adopted a new constitution that is still in effect today.