The 19th century in France was a period marked by significant political, social, and cultural changes. It began with the aftermath of the French Revolution and saw the rise and fall of various governments, including the Second Empire under Napoleon III. This era also experienced industrialization, urbanization, and the emergence of new social classes. Culturally, the 19th century was vibrant, producing influential movements such as Romanticism and Realism in literature and art. Notable figures included writers like Victor Hugo and Gustave Flaubert, as well as painters like Édouard Manet and Claude Monet. This period laid the groundwork for modern French identity and culture.