... system. These two major crises were symptomatic of the many problems facing the Third Republic. Externally there was the problem of the relative decline of France in the hierarchy of nations, especially with regard to Germany. Internally, there was the problem of the rise of the working class and the appearance of the masses on the political scene. Underlying both problems were the deficiencies in the economic system and the social problems to which they gave rise. If the Third Republic was to survive, it would have to address all these major social and political issues. Sixteen years after the establishment of the Third Republic, it was faced with its first severe crisis, and greatest since 1877; the rise of General Boulanger. Boulanger became popular in the army for his sympathy with the common soldier, and he came to be seen as a strong figure who would stand up to Bismarck. ...

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