Describe the rise of Louis Napoleon and explain why and how he was able to have such an influence on France at the middle of the 19th century?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_III
Louis Napoleon, also known as Napoleon III, played a significant role in the political landscape of France in the mid-19th century. To understand his rise to power and influence, we need to explore the historical circumstances and his strategies.
1. Historical Context:
France was undergoing a period of political instability following the French Revolution in the late 18th century. The monarchy collapsed, leading to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who established himself as Emperor of the French. After a series of conflicts and political developments, the Bourbon monarchy was briefly restored before being overthrown again during the July Revolution of 1830. France was then governed under a constitutional monarchy until the February Revolution of 1848.
2. The February Revolution and Louis Napoleon's Ascent:
The February Revolution resulted in the abdication of King Louis-Philippe and the establishment of the French Second Republic. In this atmosphere of social and political unrest, Louis Napoleon saw an opportunity to fulfill his ambition of restoring the Napoleonic Empire. He leveraged his famous family name and capitalized on his uncle, Napoleon Bonaparte's, popularity to gain support.
3. Political Strategies:
Louis Napoleon employed several strategies to consolidate his power and influence in France:
a. Coup d'État of 1851: Recognizing the limitations of the republican system and his lack of support within the Parliament, Louis Napoleon orchestrated a coup d'état on December 2, 1851. He dissolved the French Parliament, arrested political opponents, and declared himself President for a term of ten years.
b. Referendum and the Second Empire: In 1852, Louis Napoleon held a referendum asking the French citizens to decide whether he should assume the title of Emperor. The overwhelming majority voted in his favor, and he established the Second French Empire, becoming Emperor Napoleon III.
c. Modernization and Economic Development: During his reign, Napoleon III focused on modernization and economic development. He invested heavily in infrastructure projects such as railways, public buildings, and the renovation of Paris. These initiatives improved the living conditions of many French citizens and boosted the economy, providing a foundation for his popularity.
d. Foreign Policy: Napoleon III pursued an active foreign policy to enhance France's influence. He engaged in military ventures, such as the Crimean War and Italian unification, with the aim of asserting French power in Europe.
4. Social Policies and Support:
Louis Napoleon implemented several social policies aimed at gaining support and loyalty:
a. Social Welfare Reforms: He introduced social welfare reforms, including better working conditions, improved public health measures, and the establishment of the first French pension system. These reforms appealed to the working-class and increased his popularity.
b. Smart Propaganda: Napoleon III effectively used propaganda to shape public opinion and cultivate his image as a champion of the people. He promoted himself as a modern leader focused on progress, order, and stability.
In conclusion, Louis Napoleon rose to power and had a significant influence on France in the mid-19th century through a combination of political strategies, including a coup d'état, the establishment of the Second Empire, modernization and economic development, active foreign policy, and social welfare reforms. These efforts helped him garner support, maintain stability, and establish himself as a dominant figure in the political landscape of France during that time.