1. Reforming France
Chapter 23 Section 3

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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