Louis-Eugène Cavaignac

Louis-Eugène Cavaignac was a French general who put down a massive rebellion in Paris in 1848, known as the June Days uprising. This was a four-day riot against the Executive Commission, in which Cavaignac was the newly appointed Minister of War, who soon was granted dictatorial powers in order to suppress the revolt. By adopting ruthless methods, he achieved his objective, though some have claimed that he spent too long preparing for the operation, allowing the mob to strengthen their defences. He was thanked by the Parliament, but failed to be elected President of France, losing heavily to Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte in the 1848 election.