Book I: Of forms of government (1814-1848). Public opinion in 1813 ; The dogmas of authoritarianism ; Liberalism and the monarchy ; The freedom of the Church ; Towards a democratic republic ; Towards a socialist society --
Book II: The reassertions of authority (1848-1875). The authority of Catholicism ; The authority of science ; Some critics of authoritarianism --
Book III: The republican era (1875-1914). Liberal republicanism ; The Third Republic and the Church ; The traditionalist revival ; The replies of democracy ; The syndicalist challenge to the sovereign state ; Conclusion: "Les deux Frances."