Full Name: Charles-Louis Napoléon Bonaparte
Profession: Emperor of France
Biography: First as President of France (1848–1852), then as Emperor of the French (1852–1870), Napoleon III was the last French monarch. After his election in 1848, he seized power in 1851; and then proclaimed himself emperor—thus founding the Second Empire. His reign lasted until the Battle of Sedan (1870), at which he was defeated by the Prussian alliance and captured.
Domestically, Napoleon III is known for having modernised the French economy and reconstructed Paris on a grand scale. Even today his influence is felt in the elaborate parks and gardens that still populate Paris.
All in all, his reign is credited with bringing France to a point of self-sufficiency and strength; albeit also creating many enemies in the process, as he sought to reassert France's place in the world.
Born: April 20, 1808
Birthplace: Paris, France
Star Sign: Taurus
Died: January 9, 1873 (aged 64)
Articles and Photos
Historical Events
- 1858-01-14 French Emperor Napoleon III escapes attempt on his life by Felice Orsini, an Italian patriot who is later executed
- 1858-07-20 Gathering of Plombieres: French Emperor Napoleon III meets the Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia, Count Cavour
- 1859-06-04 Second Italian War of Independence: Battle of Magenta, results in a French-Sardinian victory under Napoleon III over the Austrians under Marshal Ferencz Gyulai
- 1859-06-24 Battle of Solferino, Northern Italy: French under Napoleon III and a Sardinian army under Victor Emmanuel II defeat the Austrian army led by Emperor Franz Joseph I
- 1867-04-23 Queen Victoria and Napoleon III turn down plans for a channel tunnel
- 1870-07-23 Emperor Napoleon III appoints Empress Eugénie de Montijo as Regent of France
- 1870-09-01 French Emperor Napoleon III is captured and taken prisoner in the Battle of Sedan
- 1870-09-02 Napoleon III surrenders to Prussian armies at the Battle of Sedan
- 1870-09-04 The Third French Republic proclaimed as French overthrow Emperor Napoleon III (who ironically was the elected president of the Second French Republic) after his defeat by Prussia at Sedan
Personal Life
- 1853-01-30 Emperor and French President Napoleon III marries Eugenie de Montijo, Countess of Teba
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