Napoleon III

Reign: 1852 – 1870
Life: 1808–1873

He created the Second French Empire in 1852, which began a period of rapid industrialization and expansion of infrastructure in France and saw the rise of French influence in world politics after several decades of instability. In 1848, after the overthrow of the July Monarchy in the February Revolution, he was elected president of the French Second Republic. He later proclaimed himself Emperor of the French and founded the Second Empire, reigning until the defeat of the French Army and his capture by Prussia and its allies at the Battle of Sedan in 1870. Napoleon III commissioned a grand reconstruction of Paris carried out by the prefect of the Seine, Georges-Eugène Haussmann.

During Napoleon III's reign, William III of the Netherlands ruled Netherlands, Franz Joseph I of Austria ruled Austria, and Isabella II of Spain ruled Spain.

The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

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