Historical Background of A Tale of Two Cities

1757-1794: The Period Represented in the Novel

 Though the novel begins in 1770 with Doctor Manette’s release from the Bastille and
ends in late 1793 or early 1794, the story as a whole covers aa much broader period.
 The novel begins in 1757 (the year of Doctor Manette’s incarceration under the ancient
regime) and its final scene anticipates a post-revolutionary Paris.
 Major historical features of the novel are drawn from the major events of the
revolutionary period in France – the fall of the Bastille (July 14,1789), the September
Massacres (September 2-6, 1792), and the Reign of Terror (1793-94)
 The novel is concerned as much with the lives of private individuals as with public events
– maintaining a high level of historical accuracy.

1859: The Period of the Novel’s Publication

 A period of social and political stability in England – stable monarchy, playing leading
role in the Industrial Revolution; colonial expansion; a prosperous nation and a major
European Power.
 A tumultuous period in France
 Napoleon Bonaparte became emperor after the French Revolution – starting to
take over Europe.
 In 1814, the French monarchy was restored and the emperor (Bonaparte) was sent
into exile.
 Bonaparte returned and regained power for a brief period – finally defeated in
1815.
 French monarchial rule was challenged by the revolutions of 1830 and 1848.
 In 1848, the Second Republic of France was declared and Louis Napoleon, a
nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte became the president.
 In 1852, the president declared himself as an emperor, and the Second Republic
became The Second Empire.
 Increase in French-English tensions:
 the British perceived the Second Emperor as a possible threat
 an assassination attempt on Louis Napoleon and his Empress disclosed a plot
organized by a group of French people living in England