Second French Empire

government of France under Napoleon III, from 1852 to 1870

The time from about 1852 to 1870 is known as Second Empire in French history. Napoléon III was the emperor. First he had an authoritarian style of ruling, but there was a lot of opposition. Like with many other countries, industrialization (and the industrial revolution) started during his reign. France also became one of the most powerful counties in Europe. It collapsed during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870-1871 during the Unification of Germany by Otto von Bismarck to create the German Empire in 1871 .

French Empire
Empire français
1852–1870
Flag of Second French Empire
Top: State Flag
Bottom: Imperial Standard of Napoléon III
Anthem: Partant pour la Syrie
"Departing for Syria"
Map of The Second French Empire with colonies
Map of The Second French Empire with colonies
CapitalParis
Official languagesFrench
Demonym(s)French
GovernmentConstitutional Monarchy
Napoléon III
Establishment
• Coronation of Napoléon III
2 December 1852
• Fall of the Empire
4 September 1870
Preceded by
Succeeded by
French Second Republic
Kingdom of Sardinia
French Third Republic
German Empire
Alsace–Lorraine
Today part ofFrance, Algeria