Second French Empire
The Second French Empire was the imperial regime of France from 1852 to 1870, established by Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor Napoleon III. Here are some key points about this period:
Establishment
- After a coup d'état on December 2, 1851, Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, then President of the French Second Republic, dissolved the National Assembly and established a dictatorship.
- He held a plebiscite on December 20, 1852, where the French electorate overwhelmingly approved the restoration of the Empire.
- On December 2, 1852, Louis-Napoleon officially became Emperor Napoleon III, thus marking the beginning of the Second French Empire.
Political Structure and Policies
- The government was authoritarian, with Napoleon III exercising significant control over the legislative process, although there were elections and a semblance of democratic institutions.
- Early in his reign, Napoleon III implemented liberal economic policies, promoting industrial growth and infrastructure development, including the extensive rebuilding of Paris under Baron Haussmann.
- Over time, the regime moved towards more liberal reforms, especially after 1860, with the relaxation of press censorship, extension of the franchise, and more genuine elections.
Foreign Affairs
- Napoleon III pursued an active foreign policy, aiming to extend French influence. This included:
Decline and Fall
- The Empire faced increasing domestic opposition due to economic troubles, political scandals, and the failure of foreign adventures.
- The Franco-Prussian War of 1870 was a pivotal event leading to the Empire's downfall:
- After initial French defeats, Napoleon III was captured at the Battle of Sedan on September 2, 1870.
- The fall of the Empire was declared on September 4, 1870, leading to the establishment of the French Third Republic.
Legacy
- Despite its authoritarian nature, the Second Empire left a lasting legacy on France through its economic modernization, urban planning, and cultural developments.
- The period is often remembered for the grandeur of Napoleon III's court and the architectural changes in Paris.
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