1. Bonapartism: The Second French Empire, 1852 – 1870 Section 12.62:

2. Introduction 1852 Louis Napoleon becomes Napoleon III He crushed the parties interested in parliamentary and liberal institutions Become chief of state on a wave of popular acclaim

3. Political Institutions & Modern Progress of the Second Empire Napoleon III Came to power out of fear of radicalism in a weak republic Not a great organizer Not a great military commander More concerned than Napoleon I about the “social question” Showed concern for the plight of the working class Gave universal suffrage (limited choices) Knew that order was the priority Modern Progress Napoleon III chose to be the leader in a “brave new world” Claimed that he was above class and would govern equally Declared that assemblies represented special interests Forms of government are less important than economic realities

4. Authoritarian political institutions Council of State –composed of experts that drafted legislation –Advised on technical matters Appointive Senate –Few significant functions Legislative Body –Elected by managed universal suffrage Governments choices rarely faced any opposition –Could only consider legislation it was sent by the Emperor –Had no control over the budget –Had no power over the army –Made no foreign policy –publishing speeches made in leg chamber was a crime

5. Pageantry of Napoleon III Court life was brilliant and showy –set up court at the Tuileries –Napoleon III married Eugenie a young, Spanish noblewoman (d. 1920) Paris was given a facelift to modernize the city –Baron Haussman, one of the most creative city planners –built roomy Railway stations –Boulevards were widened Would permit easier military operation against insurrectionist –Public squares –Utilities were updated (water and sewage) Economic stimulus improved business climate

6. Economic Developments under the Empire Modern financial institutions develop Investment banking (Credit Mobilier) an invention of the Saint Simonians (who were proponents of centrally planned industrial system) selling shares to public to generate capital the capital is invested in industrial enterprises Favorable economic climate Gold discoveries Mild inflation promoted investment Industrial expansion Suez Canal was built by a French company between 1859-1869 Corporations with limited liability (were now allowed by law in 1863) Mobilized the wealth of the country

7. Other Reforms Reforms for the working class Public works projects Hospitals and asylums Free medicines Labor is allowed to begin organizing Promoted free trade Was blocked by private interests, Britain, and German Zollverein Entered into a free trade agreement with Britain

8. Internal difficulties and war Depression of 1857 Enemies with industrialists are on the offense (they didn’t like his free trade policies) War is the final straw –War in Italy against Austria –War in the Crimean against Russia –War in Mexico against Mexico –War in France against Prussia By 1870 the Empire collapses and France again faces the task of rebuilding Napoleon III may have better foreshadowed the dictators of the 20th century than emulated the great emperors of the past century