Napoleon III

Napoleon III was the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and served as the Emperor of France from 1852 to 1870. He initially gained power as a president and later declared himself emperor, aiming to modernize France's economy, infrastructure, and military. His rule saw urban development like the rebuilding of Paris and increased industrialization. Internationally, he pursued expansion and alliances but faced setbacks, including defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, which led to his downfall and the end of the Second French Empire. Napoleon III is remembered for his efforts to strengthen France’s economy and status, as well as the significant changes to Paris under his reign.