1840s: France is ruled by King Louis Philippe until he is overthrown in the February Revolution in 1848. The monarchy is succeeded by the Second Republic, which lasts from 1848 to 1852.

Today: As a long-established parliamentary democracy, France is a more stable society under the Fifth Republic, which began in 1958.

1840s: The use of the recently invented electric telegraph makes communications much faster than ever before.

Today: Electronic communication reaches new levels of sophistication with the invention of the Internet and the widespread use of electronic mail.

1840s: Railway construction begins all over Europe. The French railway system is constructed with Paris at its center.

Today: France has a high-speed rail network that is one of the most advanced in Europe. High-speed trains travel at top speeds of between 150 mph and 180 mph. The system is safe and there have been no fatal accidents in two decades...