Napoleon III's Political Tactics:

• Used the forces of nationalism & liberalism to increase power
• Elected President-->seized control of government-->
  universal male suffrage->President for 10 years->2nd Empire
• Authoritarian: Controlled military, police, civil service
  Sole powers of declaring war/introducing laws
  Legislative Corps had no "power of the purse"

Domestic Policy: Liberal?

• Government subsidies for infrastructure/economic growth
• Social programs reduced tensions (hospitals/free medicine)
• Reconstruction of Paris: modernization & military motive
• Legalized trade unions (right to strike)
• Increased power of Legislative Corps (budget debate)

Crimean War: Russia vs. Ottoman Empire:

• Russian interest in the Balkans: The Mediterranean Sea
• Russian invasion of Moldavia & Walachia started war
• Britain & France declared war on Russia
  (prevent territorial ambitions)

Results of the Crimean War:

• Austrian refusal to help Russia made both nations enemies
• Russian withdrawal from European affairs for 20 years
• Opportunity for the unifications of Germany and Italy
• Summary: Breakdown of Conservative order in Europe