Complex sentence: In 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War, became a member of the "Commission des Barricades" in the Government of National Defense, and stood for election twice in the Third Republic-but lost both attempts.
Split into simpler sentences: In 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War, he was a member of the "Commission des Barricades" in the Government of National Defense. He stood for election twice in the Third Republic, but lost both attempts.