This study group will delve into the history of France from Emperor Napoleon I's abdication in 1814 to the outbreak of WW1 a century later, during which time the country saw repeated violent uprisings as it moved from autocratic government to a democratic republic, and Paris served as the world's cultural capital. We'll together learn about the revolutions of 1830 and 1848, the Franco-Prussian War and 1871 Commune and Dreyfus Affair of the 1890s. Each meeting will start with a presentation on the life of one prominent figure and the historical context in which he or she operated, followed by round-the-table Q&A and discussion. The celebrities discussed will come from French politics, literature, art, music, science, medicine, business, philosophy, cuisine, fashion, entertainment and crime. While members will be encouraged to do a presentation, this will be strictly voluntary, with schedule gaps being filled by the facilitator and guests.