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1. Formation: The Third Republic was established following the defeat of Napoleon III in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871). The fall of the Second Empire led to the proclamation of the republic on September 4, 1870, by the provisional government.

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3. Constitutional Framework: The republic was initially governed by a series of provisional governments, and a new constitution was adopted in 1875. The constitutional framework established a bicameral legislature with a President of the Republic serving as the head of state.

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5. Political Instability: The Third Republic faced political instability, marked by a succession of short-lived governments known as \"the Republic of the Radicals.\" Multiple political factions, including monarchists, republicans, and socialists, vied for power, contributing to frequent changes in government.

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7. Dreyfus Affair: One of the most significant political scandals of the Third Republic was the Dreyfus Affair (late 19th to early 20th century). It revolved around the wrongful conviction of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the French Army, for espionage. The affair exposed anti-Semitism and political divisions in French society.

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9. World War I: The Third Republic faced the challenges of World War I (1914–1918). The war had a profound impact on France, with significant loss of life and economic strain. The country emerged victorious but deeply scarred.

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11. Interwar Period: The interwar period was marked by economic difficulties, social tensions, and political polarization. Governments struggled to address the economic consequences of the war, leading to political instability.

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13. World War II and Vichy France: In 1940, during World War II, Nazi Germany invaded France. The Third Republic collapsed, and Marshal Philippe Pétain established the Vichy regime, collaborating with the Germans. This marked the end of the Third Republic.

The Third French Republic left a mixed legacy. While it faced challenges and instabilities, it also witnessed periods of economic growth and cultural flourishing, especially during the Belle Époque. Its downfall during World War II marked a significant turning point in French history. After the war, the Fourth Republic was established in 1946.