The February 1848 Revolution in France, which ends the reign of King Louis-Philippe, and leads to the creation of the French Second Republic (1848-1852), establishes the principle of the "right to work" (droit au travail), and decides to establish "National Workshops" for the unemployed.

At the same time a sort of industrial parliament is established at the Luxembourg Palace, under the presidency of Louis Blanc, with the object of preparing a scheme for the organization of labor.

These tensions between liberal Orleanist and Radical Republicans and Socialists will cause the June Days Uprising a few months later.