The fall of Adolphe Thiers on 24 may 1873: documentary evidence from the Russian embassy in Paris

In this article, the author analyses the causes and circumstances of the downfall of Adolphe Thiers, the first President of the Third French Republic. He held the office from 31 August 1871 until 24 May 1873, when he was compelled to resign. Although Thiers’ tenure as president was relatively brief, encompassing less than two years, it was of significant consequence in the establishment of the republican system in France. In many ways, this was the personal merit of President Thiers, who publicly espoused the cause of the republic, for which he was compelled to relinquish his post as head of state. The reasons for Thiers’ downfall have been the subject of considerable historical analysis. In this study, the author draws upon hitherto overlooked sources, thereby offering a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of an already well-researched topic. The focus of this inquiry is confidential diplomatic communications from the Russian Embassy in Paris. This source is significant in that it demonstrates that both the Russian ambassador to France, Prince Nikolay Orlov, and the embassy counsellor Grigory Okunev had direct contact with Thiers, enjoyed his confidence, and were well aware of the plans and intentions of the President of the Republic. They frequently met with him and his ministers, attended meetings of the National Assembly, and were thus able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the political process that gave rise to the republican system in France. It can be argued that their assessments and judgments are of significant interest to the historian. This is particularly true when considering the dispatches and analytical notes compiled at the Russian embassy in Paris for Emperor Alexander II by Chancellor Gorchakov. These documents have not attracted the appropriate level of attention from researchers for a considerable period of time and therefore represent a valuable and underutilised resource for historical research.