French legislative election, February 1871

French legislative elections to elect the first legislature of the French Third Republic were held on 8 February 1871.

This election was held during an explosive situation in the country: following the Franco-Prussian War, 43 departments were occupied. Thus, all public meetings were outlawed. Only Paris had an electoral campaign.

This election allowed candidates to run in more than one seat at a time. Originally planned to accommodate 765 deputies, this number was reduced as some candidates were elected in more than one seat. Adolphe Thiers was elected in 86 seats.

This election saw the victory of monarchists (Legitimists, Orleanists) favourable to peace with the German Empire win a large majority.

Results

Parliamentary groups

Sources

• Roi et President