French Police motorcycle

This French Police motorcycle ambulance sidecar dates to early 1900s.

In 1902, France was under the Third Republic, experiencing a period of political stability led by the Bloc des Gauches coalition. Émile Combes became Prime Minister in June, succeeding Pierre Waldeck-Rousseau, and pursued strong anticlerical policies, escalating tensions between the state and the Catholic Church. On April 13, Léon Serpollet set a new land speed record of 120.8 km/h in Nice with a steam-powered car. The legislative elections in April-May saw the left-leaning Bloc des Gauches secure a majority. Tragically, on May 8, the eruption of Mount Pelée in Martinique, a French territory, killed over 30,000 people, marking a significant disaster. Culturally, Georges Méliès premiered the pioneering sci-fi film A Trip to the Moon in September, showcasing French innovation in cinema. These events reflect a year of political shifts, technological progress, and colonial challenges for France.

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OldPik

OldPik

February 19, 2025

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