The leaders of the opposition set out to take advantage of the restless mood in France and to force the regime to grant liberal reforms.

Since public political meetings are illegal, they wittily undertake a series of political “banquets” to mobilize the forces of discontent.

This campaign is to climax in a mammoth banquet in Paris on February 22, 1848, but the government, fearing violence, orders the affair canceled.

That day, crowds of protesting students, workers and others gather in the streets and begin to clash with the police.

The king and Guizot expect no serious trouble: the weather is bad, and a large army garrison is available in case of need.

But the disorders continue to spread, and the loyalty of the National Guard begins to seem dubious.

Barricades are erected and fighting begins.