The 1881 general election was held on 21 August and 4 September 1881. This election marked the collapse of the right compared to the 1877 election.

It was a great success for the followers of Léon Gambetta, whom President Jules Grévy appointed premier two months after the election. His government only lasted 73 days, however, before falling over the issue of electoral reform.[1] This led to three short-lived minority governments, until Jules Ferry was able to form a second government in February 1883 with the support of Gambetta's Republican Union.

70.55% of eligible voters participated.

Results

Parliamentary Groups

Affiliation Party Seats
Left
  Radical-Socialists and Socialists 46
Centre-Left
  Republican Union 204
  Republican Left[2] 168
  Moderate Republicans[3] 39
Right
  Bonapartists 46
  Monarchists 42
Total 545
  1. ^ Gildea, R., Children of the Revolution, London, 2008, p. 254-255
  2. ^ Supporters of Jules Ferry, including Jules Grévy, Jules Favre, and Jules Simon
  3. ^ Liberal supporters of the Republic

Sources