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Empire Building of Napoleon III. The Second republic and Louis Napoleon. Louis Napoleon ran for the office of President of France in 1848 Things that gave him an advantage: Had his uncle’s name He seemed to be a tough ruler “Positive Program”
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The Second republic and Louis Napoleon • Louis Napoleon ran for the office of President of France in 1848 • Things that gave him an advantage: • Had his uncle’s name • He seemed to be a tough ruler • “Positive Program” • He beat the four other candidates and became the leader of the Second French Republic • Served four years as president
Louis Napoleon and the People • Louis Napoleon was seen as a ruler for the people of France • Louis Napoleon wanted to be linked to each French person by direct democracy • He had visions of national unity and social progress in mind when he was elected • Napoleon’s ideas were understood by most of the French population in late 1848
National Assembly • Napoleon III elected into a four year term • Had to share power with a conservative National Assembly • Wanted to run for a second term, National Assembly denied request • Napoleon illegally dismissed National Assembly • Seized power in a coup d'état
Becoming Emperor • Napoleon restored universal male suffrage • Turned to French people to legalize actions • 92% voted yes as president for 10 years • 97% voted yes as a hereditary emperor
Louis Napoleon a.k.a. Emperor Napoleon III • Proclaimed Emperor of France in 1853 • 97% of voters voted to make him hereditary emperor (meaning the title will be passed down in his family) • Focused on • Economy • Reducing Social and Political Tensions • Reorganize Europe in a nationalistic view • Replenish, Reduce, Reorganize!
Economy (Replenish!) • Louis Napoleon’s greatest success • Government encouraged new banks, and massive railroad construction sites. • Also funded the rebuilding of Paris by George von Haussmann • Moved toward a free trading system • Metallurgical (dealing with metals and such) industry actually rivaled Britain as this time • Large products financed by the French helped economy (Suez Canal in Egypt) Reforms=Replenished Economy
Reduce Social and Political Tensions • Social • Louis Napoleon hoped the better economy would help the dissatisfied urban workers • 1860’s ~ Napoleon allowed workers the right to form unions and strike. • Supported better housing, pawn shops, and credit unions • Political • Started off with Napoleon in charge of all politics • RESTRICTED Assembly, and members were elected by universal MALE suffrage every 6 years • Elections are very serious • Tried to get everyone to participate (even those against him) • Officials and Mayors spread the word- very important to roads, tax rebates, and many other local issues
Fall of Louis Napoleon • Napoleon was a nationalist, wanted all of Europe to adopt nationalistic ideals as well as gain influence and territory for France and himself • Problems stopped this • Criticism from Catholic and Nationalist supporters • Issues dealing with Prussia and Italy as well. • “Public Opinion always wins the last victory” • Liberalized his empire • Assembly gained more power • Opposing candidates were given more freedom • 1869: Republicans, monarchists, and liberals were able to poll about 45% of the vote • End of his term, had him granting a new constitution (7.5 million approved, 1.5 million did not) Government now going in a democratic direction
The Franco-Prussian War • Took place from 1870 until 1871 • Between Bismarck (Prussia) and Napoleon III (France) • France was angered by Prussia and Bismarck and wanted to minimize the threat of Germany
Results of Franco-Prussian War • On September 1, 1870, German forces defeated and captured Napoleon III • In January of 1871, France surrendered to Prussia • Louis Napoleon’s efforts to better France were undone
After Franco-Prussian War • After Louis Napoleon’s defeat, Paris declared a Third French Republic • France lost territory to the victorious Germans • The National Assembly crushed the Paris Commune (20,000 people were killed) • National unity formed in France out of this
New National Unity • Destruction of the Paris Commune led to thoughts of a less radical Republic • Determination and skill of early leaders also kept the Republic stable • New reforms were passed • Public was pleased
Recap • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOHQL4B4nRE&feature=related (5:06-8:11)
The End • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UglADgtF8wc&feature=related French National Anthem (1848-1852)
Review Questions • Why were the mass killings of the Paris Commune good for France (i.e. what came out of it)? • How did the Franco-Prussian War end? • What was done in the Third Republic (i.e. how was it stabilized and what did the new republic do for France)? • How did Napoleon III become emperor? • Why did the French people like Napoleon III so much?