Napoleon & The Habsburgs: Failing Empires Mr. Meester AP European History

The 2nd French Republic Louis Napoleon became the President of the Second French Republic in December, 1848. He was not committed to the Republic. 1849, elections for the Legislative Assembly clearly indicated that the people were not bound to it either. The Conservatives and Monarchists scored significant gains The Republicans and Liberals lost power

2nd French Empire Louis Napoleon drafted a new constitution which resulted in a highly centralized government. He was to have a ten year term Power to declare war To control the armed forces To conduct foreign policy To initiate and pronounce all laws The new Legislative Assembly would be under the control of the President. On December 2, 1852, he announced himself as Napoleon III, Emperor of the French.

Authoritarian Empire The 1850’s was a decade of conservative authoritarian rule for Napoleon III Censorship of the Press Harassed political dissidents Controlled the legislature Drew support from the Army, Catholic Church, peasants, & business people Security to protect property Protector of the Pope and Catholics Won the Crimean War

1860’s: Decade of the Liberal Empire The empire was liberalized in the 1860’s through a series of reforms. Living conditions improved during this period. The economic system was also improved. The arts also prospered during this period. Victor Hugo, Gustav Flaubert, Renoir, and Monet Legislature regained some influence Regained control of education from the Church Promoted trade unions This liberalization was designed to divert criticism from Napoleon III’s unsuccessful foreign policy.

Foreign Policy Mistakes Napoleon III made several mistake in regards to foreign policy The Crimean War. (little actual benefit) Italian Unification. Establishment of colonies in Africa and Indochina. The short lived reign of Maximillian in Mexico Resulted in increased criticism of Napoleon III and his authority. The Second Empire collapsed after the Franco- Prussian War Napoleon III was captured Died 3 years later in England Paris fell to the Prussians

Commune & Republic After the war Paris elected a new government called the Paris Commune It intended to govern Paris separate from the rest of France It was made up largely of Socialists & other radicals Was more anarchist than communist The French Army attacked the city killing 20,000 people The Commune helped unify the rest of France The 3rd Republic was created by default after monarchists failed to agree on a king Lasted till 1940

The Dreyfus Affair Started in 1894 when French Captain Alfred Dreyfus was accused of passing military secrets the Germans. The evidence was flimsy (later proved to be forged) Dreyfus was the scapegoat (was Jewish) The real traitor was found 2 years later after Dreyfus has been sent to Devil’s Island. (He was acquitted) 1898, After severe public outrage, Dreyfus got a new military trial Army, Conservative, Catholics vs. Liberals, Socialist, etc. Was found guilty again (was immediately pardoned) Prime example of Anti-semitism

Austrian Response to 1848 In 1848 the Habsburg Empire remained absolutist, agrarian empire Around it Europe was becoming more liberal, industrialized, & Nation-based Franz Joseph was the new emperor of Austria. He tried to impose more centralized gov’t. Dominated by German speaking Austrians Controlled by the bureaucracy & military Catholics got to control education Ethnic groups who helped in 1848 got nothing for their loyalty

Austrian Reform After Austria’s defeat to the Italians in 1859, Franz Joseph realized he needed to make some reforms from within his country. He granted a constitution and set up a legislature. The 1861 February Patent It was still dominated by German speaking Austrians and did little for the other nationalities of the empire. The Hungarians were determined to obtain self- government. Refused to participate in the legislature

The Dual Monarchy Hungarians saw their chance for autonomy when Austria lost its war with Prussia in 1866. 1867, under the leadership of Francis Deak a compromise (Ausgleich) was established and the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary.

Austrian-Hungarian Empire Each country was separate with its own constitution, but shared the same monarch. (Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary) The Hungarians would have their own assembly, cabinet, and administrative system. The Slavic people of the empire still pursued independence, causing conflict.