The History of a Crime

Set against the backdrop of the December 1851 coup d'état led by Napoleon III, this essay by Victor Hugo captures the tumultuous events as he recounts his experience as a National Assembly member. Hugo vividly portrays the struggle of insurrectionaries fighting for their beliefs, highlighting the brutality faced by many who were arrested or killed. Through his powerful narrative, he examines the themes of political oppression and the fight for justice, offering a poignant commentary on the impact of tyranny on society.