The reign of Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte was one of great power, healthy gains, and heaps of public support. It was one of the most memorable French campaigns and was much different from the ones before him. He massively boosted France’s economy, which was a recurring problem with previous rulers. He was loved dearly by the people whom he represented. He worked his way around obstacles to ensure the size and prosperity of the French Empire. The reign of Napoleon III was one of great success, and the pros outweighed the cons.
Napoleon III was a great man and a man of the people. His support was overwhelming to the point where 92 percent of French citizens voted for him to be president for ten years after his initial four years of service. Then, a year later, 97 percent voted in favor of Napoleon III being the Emperor of France, creating the Second Empire. Although historians claim that his rule was a dictatorship, it was one of the most beneficial and prosperous periods in the history of France. One of Napoleon’s best qualities was his determination to ensure that his beloved country was at the top. Through his efforts during the Crimean War, he halted any further power attempts by other powers in Europe. He prevented Russia from becoming a superpower while amping up the French military. He would go on to gain territory and establish colonies across the globe. Gabon, Senegal, Vietnam, and Cambodia became part of the majestic French Empire. In 1859, he took Nice and Savoy from Sardinia as part of an agreement to back up Camillo Cavour if war broke out. He then negotiated peace while simultaneously keeping Nice and Savoy. Napoleon III expanded the French sphere of influence to Africa, China, and even Mexico.
The most vital gain for France during Louis Napoleon’s rule was its economy. During the midst of the Industrial Revolution, Napoleon III built new railroads and investment banks. Because of the emphasis on public works, the rebuilding of Paris occurred. Streets, buildings, and infrastructure improved. They were completely redone to ensure the best possible living spaces for the French people. He fully modernized France and was within reach of the brilliant works of Great Britain. These great feats by Napoleon III cemented his legacy, and solidified his rule as one of the greatest successes in French history.