The French Second Empire: An Anatomy of Political Power

by Roger Price

Book Overview

This book is about a major historical figure, Napoleon III, and a political regime. It examines how Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte (nephew of the first Napoleon) was able to secure election as President of the Republic and subsequently to launch a coup d'?tat to establish a Second Empire. It then considers the ways in which power was exercised by the new imperial regime. Later, apparent stability led Napoleon III to engage in a difficult process of transition towards a more liberal regime; but at the point of success the decision was taken to go to war against Prussia which resulted in a catastrophic defeat and the destruction of his regime. This is a most thoroughly researched book on the Second Empire, which makes a contribution to our knowledge of a vitally important period of French history following the 1848 revolution and the intense mid-century crisis.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521036321
• ISBN13: 9780521036320
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 520 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"