1645-1715: The reign of King Louis XIV is characterized by the exercise of near absolute sovereign authority.

1715-1789: The reigns of King Louis XV and King Louis XVI witness the waning power of the French monarchy, which culminates in the French Revolution.

1789-1799: The French Revolution of 1789, partly inspired by the American Revolution of 1776, initiates the end of the French monarchy.

The former King Louis XVI is executed in 1793.

The new government becomes known as the First Republic.

1799-1815: Napoleon Bonaparte rules France, naming himself emperor in 1804.

1815-1848: France returns to monarchical rule with the reigns of King Louis XVIII (18151824), King Charles X (1824-1830), and King Louis-Phillip (1830-1848).

1848-1852: The Revolution of 1848 results in the formation of the Second Republic and in the election of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte (the nephew of the original Napoleon) to the presidency.

1852-1870: After staging a coup, Louis-Napoleon takes the...