Reforming France Chapter 23 Section 3

The Glory of France? Many hoped Napoleon III would carry on his uncle’s legacy and return France to great power and glory Ruled essentially as a dictator Appointed his cabinet, the upper house of the legislature, and many officials Elections were held, but managed by officials so supporters of Napoleon III would win Eased up during the 1860s Created a new constitution that increased democratic rights

Economic Prosperity Prospered mid-19th century Napoleon III Suez Canal Promoted investment in industry Legalized labor unions Extended public education to girls Created a small public health program Suez Canal Organized by Ferdinand de Lesseps

Napoleon’s Foreign Failures Napoleon attempted to place Maximilian on the throne of Mexico hoping to make Mexico a French satellite Failed as Mexican patriots resisted and the United States protested After 4 years France withdrew it’s troops and Maximilian was shot Aided Italian nationalists defeat Austria and received the territory of Nice and Savoy, but this backfired when Italy rose as a French rival Crimean War was won, but France had little to show for it

Napoleon’s Biggest Foreign Failure War with Prussia Lured into war by Otto von Bismarck in 1870 Disastrous results for France Napoleon III is captured German forces move towards Paris and encircle the city and continue the siege for 4 months

End of an Empire When Napoleon is captured Republicans declared an end to the Second Empire Set up a provisional government that will turn into France’s Third Republic France agrees to peace terms with Germany and gives up the territories of Alsace & Lorraine and is forced to pay a huge sum to Germany

Starting the Third Republic Paris Commune 1871 Set up to preserve the Republic and keep the government out of the hands of the royalists Wanted to set up a new socialist order National Assembly orders the Paris Commune to disband and they refuse causing a short civil war in Paris French troops suppressed and killed about 20,000 Communards