# Second Empire proclaimed (1852)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1852-second-empire-proclaimed
Location: France
Categories: main-event

Louis-Napoléon became Napoleon III after a plebiscite. Within the broader Second Empire period, Napoleon III combined authoritarian rule with economic modernization, Parisian reconstruction and an ambitious foreign policy. Liberal reforms came late, and defeat by Prussia destroyed the empire. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Napoleon III (Emperor of the French). Second Empire proclaimed is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Second Empire proclaimed is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

Ruler at the time: [Napoleon III](https://history-france.com/rulers/napoleon-iii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Second Empire proclaimed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Second+Empire+proclaimed&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Second Empire proclaimed](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Second+Empire+proclaimed)
- [Vie-publique — French institutions and history](https://www.vie-publique.fr/)