Napoleon Iii and The Commune
Through the 1850s, Napoleon III ran an authoritarian regime whose most notable achievement was a rapid growth in industrial and economic power. Foreign trade trebled, the rail system grew enormously, and the first investment banks were established. In 1858, in the aftermath of an attempt on his life by an Italian patriot, the emperor suddenly embarked on a policy of liberalization , initially of the economy, which alienated much of the business class. Reforms included the right to form trade unions and to strike, an extension of public education, lifting of censorship and the granting of ministerial "responsibility" under a government headed by the liberal opposition. Disaster, however, was approaching in the shape of the Franco-Prussian war. Involved in a conflict with Bismarck and the rising power of Germany, Napoleon III declared war. The French army was quickly defeated and the emperor himself taken prisoner in 1870. The result at home was a universal demand for the proclamation of a third republic . The German armistice agreement insisted on the election of a national assembly to negotiate a proper peace treaty. France lost Alsace and Lorraine and was obliged to pay hefty war reparations. Outraged by the monarchist majority re-elected to the new Assembly and by the attempt of its chief minister, Thiers, to disarm the National Guard, the people of Paris created their own municipal government known as the Commune .
Tour France On Line (Video + Stills)David Mundstock says "My recent film “Napoleon Slept Here” takes you all around France, beginning and ending in Paris, with Notre Dame Cathedral, the Pompidou Center, Eiffel Tower, Napoleon’s Tomb, Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass & the City of Lights at night; plus Nimes with its Roman Arena and Temple, the walled city of Carcassonne, Lourdes, the Palace of Chenonceau, a peek at the Bayeux Tapestry, and much more.
This is a free, non-commercial, streaming video on the Windows Media Player. No ads and no strings attached. I sell absolutely nothing. All you need is a high speed internet connection.
The gallery of French still pictures can be viewed with any modem.
There are over 30 of my other amateur travel videos on-line. Visit Italy, England, Antarctica, Bali, Australia, China, Russia, Florida, Mayan Pyramids, Kenya, Hawaii, Greece, American National Parks, or Turkey; see elephants, whales, penguins, or polar bears.
The planet is yours, including my Home Page giant galaxy of still pictures.
To access both the videos and stills, please ask a search engine for:
Intrepid Berkeley Explorer" AnnaaNNa says "Joverh stinks. you stink. Texas is better!" to riangage says "u r so meen i hate u!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!booooooo hoooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1" blahblah says "blah blah chill out on the hateing give sumone a hug"
Your Tip for France
Help other backpackers! Write your own guides and backpacking tips to France - they will appear instantly on this page - Please only write a tip/guide to France - visit the main France forum to ask a question!
Please do not post links to your site here (they won't work) - please use the France webguide section below! Thanks.
|
