6. The Second Empire (1852-1870)
During the Second Empire, France's industrial development expands through railroad construction and general rebuilding. Within 20 years, railroads expand through all of France. Haussmann also begins his transformative work of Paris, resulting in new and excavated monuments, parks, and an extension from 12 to 20 arrondissements. This also marks a time of new commercialism as symbolized through the opening of department stores. Despite this development, war involving France continues to haunt Europe. During the Crimean War of 1853-1856, France and Russia hold massive disputes over Palestinian Holy Places. The eventual accession of Czar Alexander II leads to peace negotiations at the Congress of Paris in 1856. The conference results in the restoration of certain boundaries in Russia and Asia.
During the years to come, Napoleon III finds himself battling reduced popularity in France. In an attempt to win back public approval, the emperor becomes more liberal and increases the powers of citizens' civil rights and the legislative assembly. The years between 1860-1870 are for this reason known as the "Liberal Empire." International relations with Great Britain also improve in 1860 when a commercial treaty allows for free trade among the two countries. Similar to his uncle, Napoleon III longs for imperialistic expansion, and eventually acquires Cochin China (southern Vietnam). The emperor also looks for opportunities across the Atlantic, and attempts to invade Mexico in 1861. The mission falls short when the United States quickly remind the French of the United States' Monroe Doctrine. Despite his war-driven familial traditions, Napoleon III remains neutral during the Austro-Prussian war of 1866, and the rise of Prussia gives Europe new competition for power.