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Preface
IN writing the history of the establishment of the French Empire under Napoleon I., and its overthrow by the alHed dynasties of Europe, the author spent four years of severe labor. Fully aware that the judgment of America upon these themes had been formed mainly from the representations of the Tory writers of England, and that Napoleon had been denounced as a tyrant and a usurper by nearly the uncontradicted voice of English literature, the writer felt the necessity of scrupulous exactness in every statement. He visited England and the Continent to collect the works of all the leading writers upon the subject. He endeavored carefully and impartially to examine upon every point the opinions of the different parties. Few books have been more severely assailed ; and yet the writer is not aware that a single error of statement has yet been pointed out, calling for correction.
In now writing the history of the restoration of the empire under Napoleon III., the writer has been equally laborious in investigation, and conscientious in statement. From the commencement of the restored empire, in 1852, until the present time, he has carefully studied all its movements. Twice he has visited France to observe the practical operations of the government. He has conversed with distinguished French gentlemen of the different political and religious parties, and has carefully hstened to the observations of intelligent foreigners from the different nationalities of Europe and America residing in Paris. He has also collected from London and Paris every book and pamphlet he could find upon the subject of the empire, whether from the pen of friend or foe. Thus fm'nished, he has written this book with as honest and earnest a desire to present the truth as it is possible for him to possess. It has been his great aim that every statement should be so accurate as to stand the test of the severest scrutiny.
Being himself a republican, he is not in danger of being biassed in favor of imperial forms. Being a Protestant clergyman, he is not liable to look with too favorable an eye upon the Roman-Catholic religion. The theme
6 PREFACE.
upon which he writes is o-ne of the grandest in tlie annals of time. The career of Napoleon III. presents one of the most eventful scenes in the subhtne drama of the French Revolution ; and that drama has agitated the minds and the hearts of men as they never were agitated before.
The Revolution of 1789, sweeping away in blood and flame the throne of the ancient kings ; the republic, with its convulsions, its anarchy, its reign of terror, over whose woes even angels might weep ; the empire of Napoleon I., dazzling the world with its power and glory ; the alliance of all the dynasties of Europe to crush that republican empire ; the long and bloody struggle ; the |verthrow of Napoleon ; the restoration of the throne of the Bourbons by foreign armies ; the expulsion of Charles X. ; the rise and fall of the throne of Louis Philippe ; the transient republic ; the recall of the exiled Bonapartes ; the election to the presidency of Louis Napoleon ; the coup d Utat ; the restored empire ; the brilliant reign of Napoleon III. ; his internal policy ; his foreign policy ; the Roman question ; the Crimean campaign ; the Mexican invasion ; the liberation of Italy ; the re-organization of Germany ; the war with Prussia ; the awful defeat of the French armies ; the overthrow of the second empire ; the war of the Commune ; the government of the Convention ; the exile and death of the emperor, — such are the subjects which are involved in the career of Napoleon III. No secular scenes more momentous can employ the pen.
These subjects are so intimately blended with men's most firmly cherished principles of politics and religion, that it is not to be supposed that any writer can frankly and boldly discuss them, however candid and modest he may be, without exciting the angry passions of some, at least, of those who differ from him. The frailty of humanity is such, that diversity of opinion upon historical facts is often regarded as a crime, meriting the sternest reprobation ; and he who undertakes the arduous task of writing upon such exciting themes should examine himself to ascertain if he can maintain that perfect honesty which historic truth demands, and if he can serenely bear the contumely which he must inevitably encounter.
It has been the great aim of the writer, not to make this book merely the expression of his personal opinions, but a faithful record of historic facts. The reader is here presented with a brief narrative of those great events in France which preceded and ushered in the restored empire ; and, though no intelligent man will probably question these statements, the writer has judged that the importance of the subject demanded that he should give documentary proof of them all.
He has also, with great care, presented to the reader a report of the speeches, an examination of the writings, and an account of the deeds, of Napoleon III. There can be no question whatever that these words have been spoken, that these sentiments have been written, that these actions have been performed, as here related. In all the varied incidents of the
PREFACE. , 7
emperor's wonderful career, — in his youth, his early manhood, and while seated upon the imperial throne, — the writer has been careful to substantiate every statement by unquestionable authority.
It is saddening to reflect, but the whole history of the world attests the fact, that no man of commanding powers can energetically endeavor to do good without being fiercely assailed, not merely by bad men, but bv good men, by sincere philanthropists, by those who are willing to labor and sifffer and to make the greatest sacrifices for the welfare of humanity. A sovereign who is placed by popular choice at the head of a nation of forty millions of people, and such a nation as the French, — long agitated by the struggles of antagonistic parties, and situated in the midst of powerful monarchies, strongly armed, ambitious and encroaching, — merits a generous and charitable construction of his actions.
Perhaps no man has been more unscrupulously assailed than Napoleon III. There is scarcely a crime of which he has not been accused. All ike epithets in the vocabulary of vituperation have been exhausted in application to him ; and yet you may search all his multiphed addi-esses and his voluminous writings in vain to find one angry word in reply. He is always the refined and courteous gentleman. The instincts of his nature seem to render it impossible for him ever to lay aside the calm cogency of argument, to grasp the weapons of vulgar abuse.
It is a remarkable fact that Napoleon III. has occupied a space in the journals of Christendom, larger, probably, than that of all the otiier sovereigns of earth united. One can scarcely take up a newspaper, in Europe or America, which does not contain some allusion to the Emperor of the French ; and the writer submits the question, whether there is not found in this narrative a more reasonable explanation of the fact than in the popular rumors which are floating in the air.
It will be said that this history is a romance. It is a romance of more thrilling interest than almost any creation of fiction. It is the romance of real life, not merely founded on fact, but in which every statement is confirmed by indisputable authority. In view of the proof upon every page, it is scarcely conceivable that any one should deny that this is a truthful representation of what the Emperor Napoleon III. has written and said and done.
From this record individuals will draw different inferences, in accordance with their political views and their preconceived opinions. Still the writer — cheered by the conviction that the majority of his countrymen seek only for truth ; that there is not a statement in this volume which is not sustained by documentary proof; and that, when the passions of the present hour shall have passed away, this record will be sustained by the verdict of posterity — calmly submits the work to that stormy sea of criticism upon which it is sure to be buffeted.
8 PREFACE.
In the illustrations, the reader is presented with as accurate a likenenr, as art can give of the emperor m his prime ; a portrait of his father, — Louis, King of Holland ; a portrait of Queen Hortense, his mother, and the young Louis Napoleon, a child about seven years of age, at her side. No one can fail to remark the very striking resemblance between the father and the child. We have also the imperial family — the emperor, the empress, and the prince imperial — in the quietude of home ; the Chateau of Arenemberg, in whose retirement the emperor spent most of the years of his early youth ; the Castle of Ham, where he languished in captivity for six years; the Palace of the Tuileries, the city residence of the emperor, as seen from the court of the Louvre ; the Palace of Fontainebleau, the favorite country retreat of the royal family ; and a bird's-eye view of the Great Exposition, in its central buildings and surroundings.
The fidelity of the hkenesses may be reUed upon. The portraits are taken from paintings in the private collection of the emperor at the Tuileries. The engravings have been executed by the best artists in Paris.
JOHN S. C. ABBOTT.
New Haven, Conn., 1873.
Chapter I. The Parentage Of Loci8 Napoleon
Early Life of Josephine. — Marriage of Josephine and Viscount Beauharnais. — Life in Paris. — Separation. — Josephine and Hortense in Martinique. — Return to Paris. — Sufferings there. — Marriage of Josephine with General Bonaparte. — Love. — Disappointment of Hortense ; of Louis Bonaparte. — The Unhappy Marriage. — Death of the First-born. — Birth of Louis Napoleon. — Anecdotes of the Empire. — Early Developments of Character 17
Chapter II. Childhood And Youth
Abdication of Napoleon. — His Prediction. — The Allies in Paris. — Their Pear of the Bonaparte Name. — Expulsion of Hortense and her Sons. — Wanderings and Persecutions,
— Residence at Lake Constance. — Studies of Louis Napoleon. — Purchase of Arenemberg. — Anecdotes. — Cultured Society. — The Reconciliation. — Military Taste of the Young Prince. — Visits to Rome. — The Princess Pauline. — Calumnious Reports. — Petition of Pauline 32
Chapter III. The Treaties Op 1815, And The Attempts To Overthrow Them
Invasion of France. — Congress of Vienna. — Anecdote. — Parcelling out of Italy. — Plans of Napoleon I. — Carbonari. — Insurrection in Italy. — The Insurrection crushed by the Austi-ians. — Louis XVIII. : his Character. — The Countess de Cala. — Expulsion of Charles X. — Battles and Diplomacy. — Abdication of the King in Favor of the Duke de Bordeaux as Henry V. — Flight of the Royal Family. — Assassination of the Duke de Berri. — Strife of Parties. — Interview of Chateaubriand with the Orleans Family. — Speech of Chateaubriand. — Anecdote. — Enthronement of Louis Philippe . 42
Chapter IV. Unsuccessful Insurrections
Excitement caused by the Overthrow of the Bourbon Dynasty. — The Napoleonic Princes join the Italian Insurgents. — Letter of Louis Napoleon to the Pope. — Death of Napoleon Louis. — Letter from Prof. S. F. B. Morse. — Perils of Louis Napoleon. — Devotion of his Mother. — Their Flight. — Incognito Entrance to France. — Visit to England. — Return to Arenemberg. — " Political Reveries." — Madame Re'camier. — Chateaubriand.
— Death of General Lamarque. — Republican Insurrection 62
Chapter V. The Adventures Of The Duchess De Berri
Claims of the Legitimists. — Narrative of the Assassination of the Duke de Berri. — Noble Conduct of the Duchess de Berri. — The Dying Scene. — Birth of the Duke de Bordeaux. — Efforts of the Duchess to reclaim the Crown for her Son. — Iler Romantic Adventures. — Disappointments and Persistence. — Her Capture and Imprisonment. — Deplorable Development. — Moral Ruin of the Duchess. — Death of the Duke of Reithstadt. — His Attractive Character and Melancholy History. — Decree of the Senate of France creating the Napoleonic Dynasty. — Its Ratification by the People. — Response of Napoleon 82
Chapter VI. Life At Arenemberg, And Napoleonic Sympathies
Views of Lafayette ; of M. Carrel ; of Chateaubriand. — The Poles desire Nouis Napoleon for their King. — His Reply. — Retirement at Arenemberg. — Studies. — " Considerations, Political and Military, upon Switzerland." — Opinions of the Press. — Extracts.
— Letters to the Poet Belmontet. — Letter from Queen Hortense. — The Prince offered the Crown of Portugal. — His Reply. — Mode of Life at Arenemberg. — "Manual of Artillery." — Tlie Liberal Party look to Louis Napoleon. — French Sympathy for Napoleon I. — Honors conferred upon his Memory. — Plan for restoring the Empire. — Colonel Vaudrey 93
CHAPTER Vn.
STRASBURG.
Letter to his Mother. — Leaves Arenemberg. — Incidents at Strasburg. — Speeches and Proclamations. — Success. — Reverses. — The Capture. — His Expression of his Feelings. — Anxiety for his Companions. — Disregard of Himself — Taken to Paris. — Condemned Untried. — Fears of the Government. — Transported to America. — Scenes on the Voyage 106
CHAPTER Vm.
EXILE AND STUDIES.
Life in America. — Return to Europe. — False Report. — Return to Arenemberg. — Death of Queen Hortense. — Studious Habits of the Prince. — " Political Reveries." — The Dynasties demand his Expulsion. — Heroism of the Swiss Government. — Retirement to England. — Noble Conduct. — Studious Life in London. — " Ide'es Napole'oniennes." — Extracts from the Work 125
CHAPTER IX.
PRINCE LOUIS IN LONDON.
" Les Idees Napole'oniennes." — Habits of Louis Napoleon. — Testimony of Acquaintances.
— Views of Government. — Severe Studies. — Unpopularity of Louis Philippe. — Attempts at Assassination. — The Napoleonic Idea. — Fieschi. — Narrow Escape of the Royal Family. — Secret Societies. — Virulence of the Press. — Inauguration of the Arc de I'Etoile. — Seclusion of the King. — Napoleonic Sympathies. — The Emperor's Statue restored to the Column in the Place Vendume. — Letter from Joseph Bonap.arte.
— The Bourbon L;iw of Proscription. — Justification for the Efforts of the Prince.— Death of Charles X. — Socialist Insurrection. — M. Tliicrs Prime Minister. — Demand
for the Remains of Napoleon. --Preparation for their Removal 147
CHAPTER X.
BOULOGNE.
The Ci y of Edinburgh" steams to Boulogne. — The Landing and the Struggle. — Narrow Escape of the Prince from Death. — The Capture. — Letter from the Father of Louis Napoleon. — Confinement in the Conciergerie. — Visit from Chateaubriand. — Habits of Study. — The Trial. — The Defence of the Prince. — Interesting Incident. — Sentenced to Perpetual Captivity. — Fortitude of the Prince if.6
CHAPTER XL
THE NEPHEW AT HAM J THE UNCLE AT THE INVALIDES.
Description of Ham. — Devotion of the Friends of the Prince. — Prison-Life. — Manifestations of Sympathy. — The Arms of Napoleon I. — Demand for the Remains of the Emperor. — Their Removal from St. Helena. — Their Arrival in France. — Funeral Solemnities. — Testimony of Napier. — Apostrophe of Louis Napoleon. — Correspondence and Remonstrance If
CHAPTER Xn.
PRISON-LABORS.
Sympathy for the Prince. — Letter to M. Barrot. — Guizot's History of the French Revolution. — Histoi'ical Fragments. — Letter from Chateaubriand. — Invariable Courtesy of the Prince. — Policy of the Stuarts. — Profound Political Views. — Increasing Sympathy for the Captive. — Thoughts of Amnesty. — Letter from the Prince. — His Political Principles and Conduct 202
CHAPTER XIIL
POLITICAL, SCIENTIFIC, AND HISTORICAL WRITINGS.
Analysis of the Sugar-Question. — Letter from Be'ranger. — Testimony of Renault. — Letter to Viscount Chateaubriand. — Letter from Sismondi. — Life of Charlemagne. — Political Articles. — Attack upon Napoleon I. by Lamartine. — Response of Louis Napoleon . ' 217
CHAPTER XIV.
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PRINCIPLES OF THE CAPTIVE OF HAM.
Rhetorical Skill. — " Project of Law upon the Recruitment of the Army." — " The Prussian Organization." — "Military Necessities of France." — "Mathematical Studies of Napoleon." — Anecdotes of the Emperor. — Philosophic Views. — "The Extinction of Pauperism." — Character of the Treatise. — Testimony of Beranger. — " The Past and Future of Artillery." — " The Canal of Nicaragua." — Interesting Correspondence . 235
CHAPTER XV.
FAMILY REMINISCENCES.
The Death of Joseph Bonaparte. — Sketch of his Career. — Anecdote of Napoleon. — Petitions for the Release of the Prince. — Sickness of his Father, King Louis. — His Dying Plea to see his Son. — Efforts of the Prince to visit his Dying Father.— Correspondence. — Measures of the Government. — Public Dissatisfaction 2'-0
CHAPTER XVI.
THE ESCAPE FROM HAM.
Plans for Escape. — Devotion of Dr. Conneau and the Valet Thelin. — Eumors of Approaching Release. — The Plan adopted. — DiflBculties and Embarrassments. — Details of the Event. — Wonderful Success ... 263
CHAPTER XVII.
EMPLOYMENT IN EXILE.
Heroism of Dr. Conneau. — Governmental Persecution. — Death of King Louis. — Funeral Honors. — Letters from Prince Louis Napoleon. — His Character in Exile. — Testimony of "Walter Savage Landor. — The Duke of Wellington. — Testimony of " The Journal du Loriet." — Treatise upon the Canal of Nicaragua. — Noble Sentiments . 274
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE OVERTHROW OF THE THRONE OF LOUIS PHILIPPE.
Childhood and Youth of Louis Philippe. — Execution of the Duke of Orleans. — Flight of the Family. —The Return of Louis Philippe with the Bourbons. — His Elevation to the Throne. — Unpopularity. — The Banquets. — Their Prohibition. — Indignation and Insurrection of the People. — Triumph of the Insurgents. — Flight of the King. — Heroism of the Duchess of Orleans. — Her Perils and Final Escape 288
CHAPTER XIX.
THE REPUBLIC.
The Two Provisional Governments. — Their Union. — Stormy Debates and Emeides. — Alarming Rumors. — Anecdotes. — The National Workshops. — Weakness of the Republican Party. — The National Assembly. — Anecdotes of Lamartine. — The Assembly dispersed by the Mob. — Louis N.apoleon visits Paris. — Returns to London. — Letter to the Assembly. — Chosen Deputy by Four Departments. — Excited Discussion. — Received to the Assembly 311.
CHAPTER XX.
STORMY DEBATES AND INSURRECTIONS.
Address to the Electors. — Letter to the President of the Assembly. — Agitation in the Assembly. — The Debate. — Louis Napoleon declines his Election. — Discontent of the People. — Disorder in the Government. — Closing the Workshops. — Anecdote. — Terrible E.xcitement. — Dictatorship of Cavaignac. — The Four-Days' Battle . . .334
CHAPTER XXI.
REPRESENTATIVE AND PRESIDENT.
Louis Napoleon a Representative. — His Speech. — Attacks upon him. — Debate upon the Constitution. — Election by the People. — Prudence of Louis Napoleon. — Speeches in the Assembly. — Candidate for the Presidency. — His Popularity with the Masses. — Address to the Electors. — Triumphant Election 350
CHAPTER XXn.
THE ROMAN QUESTION.
Character of the New Constitution. — Feelings in the Rural Districts. — Antagonism of the Assembly to the President. — Instigations to Civil War. — Letter to Prince Nai)oleon. — Excitement of the Revolutionary Spirit. — Insurrection in Rome. — Assassination of M. Rossi. — Flight of the Pope. — French Intervention. — Its Necessity. — Capture of Rom5. — Socialist Insurrection in Paris. — Confirmed Strength of the Goveraraent . 369
CONTENTS. lb
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE WAR OF THE ASSEMBLY AGAINST THE PRESIDENT.
Speech at Chartres, at Amiens, Angers, Nantes. — Sketch of Bonchamp. — Speech at Rouen.
— The Workmen at Elbeuf. — Incident at Fixin. — Speech at Epernay. — Affairs at Rome. -c- Letter to the President of the Assembly. — Refugees in Paris. — Universal Suffrage suspended. — Socialist Triumph. — Speech of Thiers. — Salary of the President. — Combination against him. — His Imperturbable Serenity 383
CHAPTER XXIV.
DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY AND TACTICS.
Speech at the Opening of the Assembly. — Petitions for the Revision of the Constitution. — Assumptions of Changarnier. — His Removal from Command. — Excitement in the Assembly. — Salary of the President curtailed. — Conciliatory Spirit of the President.
— The Speech at Dijon. — Conflict upon the Question of Universal Suffrage. — Si)eech at Poitiers ; at Chatellerault. — Doctrines of the Socialists. — Opening of the Session in 1851. — Coalition against the President. — His Untroubled Spirit. — Conspiracy for his Ruin 411
CHAPTER XXV.
THE COUP d'6tAT.
The only Measures Louis Napoleon could adopt. — Last Meeting of the Assembly. — Levee at the Elyse'e. — Testimony of Hon. S. G. Goodrich. — The Decisive Step. — The Proclamations. — The Arrests. — Changarnier, Cavaignac, Thiers, Lamoriciere, Be'dcau, Charras, La Grange, Roger, Baze. — The Insurrection. — Narrative of Hon. S. G. Goodrich. — The Discomfiture of the Insurgents. — Proclamation of St. Arnaud . . . 431
CHAPTER XXVL
THE RATIFICATION OF THE COOP d'eTAT.
Remark of the Emperor. — Socialist Insurrections. — Proclamation of the President. — Remarkable Pamphlet. — Note from M. Roth. — Testimony of the " Gazette de Munich ; " of "The Washington Union." — The Vote of the 20th December. — Its Result. — Address by M. Baroche. — Response by the President. — Arduous Task to be performed.
— Preamble to the Constitution. — The Constitution 45fi
CHAPTER XXVn.
ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES.
Internal Improvements. — Wealth of Louis Philippe. — Confiscation. — Ancient Law of France. — Energy of the President. — His Clemency. — Respect for the Sabbath. — Almoners of Last Prayers. — Censorship of the Press. — Address to the Legislative Corps. — Efforts of the Socialists, of the Legitimists, of the Orleanists. — Spirit of the European Journals. — Blessing the Eagles. — Embarrassment of Foreign Courts. — Visit to Strasburg. — Splendid Fete Ball in the Marche' des Innocents. — Uncontested Election 474
CHAPTER XXVIIL
THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE EMPIRE.
Prosperous State of France. — Desire for the Restoration of the Empire. — The Communes.
— The Arrondisscments. — The IMnnicipal Councils. — Tour to the Southern Departments. — Brilliant Reception. — Addresses. — Attempt at Assassination. — Courage of the President. — Algeria. — Abd-el-Kader. — Reception in Paris. — Restoration of the Empire. — Vote of the Senate. — Ratification by the People. — Address of the Emperor. — Great Unanimity. — The Results 494
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE MARRIAGE OF THE EMPEKOR, AND THE CARES OF EMPIRE.
TI;e Countess de Teba. — Her Birth, Education, and Character. — Announcement of the Imperial Marriage. — The Imposing Ceremonies. — Prosperity of France. — Alarm in England. — Counsel of Napoleon I. — Scenes at St. Helena. — Spirit of Napoleon III.
— Speech at the Opening of the Legislative Session. — Deputation of English Tradesmen. — Causes of the Emperor's Popularity. — Confidence of the People in him. — Inundations. — Internal Improvements. — The Famine. — Addresses to the Legislature.
— Fete at Boulogne
CHAPTER XXX.
THE EASTERN QUESTION.
Rise of the Turkish Power. — Conquest of Greece. — Peril of Christendom. — Rise of Russia. — Her Territory, Population, Military Power. — Poland. — Moldavia and Wallachia. — Circassia. — The Dardanelles. — The Bo.sphorus. — Geography of those Regions. — Russian Ambition. — Grecian Revolt. — Count Capo d'Istria. — King Otho. — Battle of Navarino. — Anxiety of England. — Remarkable Sayings of Napoleon I. — Visit of Nicholas to the Court of Queen Victoria. — Probable Results 524
CHAPTER XXXI.
THE CRIMEAN "WAB.
Question of the Shrines. — Measures of the French Government. — Arrogance of Russia. — The Ultimatum of the Czar. — Its Rejection. — Cordial Co-operation of France and England. — Efforts of the French Emperor for Peace. — The Vienna Note. — Letter from Napoleon to Nicholas. — Embarrassments of Austria and Prussia. — Diplomatic Relations suspended. — War declared. — Addresses of Napoleon. — Sinope. — Expedition to the Crimea. — Battle of Alma. — Despatches of Marshal St. Arnaud. — His Death. — Grief of the Emperor. — His Letter to the Maixhioness 534
CHAPTER XXXIL
A CONQUERED PEACE.
Battle of Inkerman. — Co-operation of the Allies. — The Emperor's Address to the Legislative Corps. — The Imperial Visit to England. — Views expressed by " The London Times." — The Return to France. — Attempt at Assassination. — The Visit of Victoria to France. — AddreSs to the Legislative Corps. — Last Scenes at Sevastopol. — Rejoicings in Paris. — Birth of the Prince Imperial. — Congratulations and Responses. — The Treaty of Peace. — Genius of Napoleon III. — The Conspiracy of Orsini. — Opening the Boulevard of Sevastopol. — Inauguration of the Works at Cherbourg. — Speech at Bennes ;.)4
CHAPTER XXXIIL
MAGENTA AND SOLFERINO.
Effect of the French Revolution of 1848. — The Uprising in Italy. — The Battle of Novara. — Austrian Influence in Italy. — Speech of Napoleon III. to the Legislative Corps. — Sympathy between Napoleon III. and Victor Emanuel. — Austrian Invasion of Sardinia. — Prompt Action of France. — Proclamations of the Emjieror. — His Journey to Sardinia. — Enthusiastic Reception. — The Battles of Magenta and Solferino. — Interventior of England and Prussia — Necessity of relinquishing the Liberation of Italy . 5b8
CHAPTER XXXIV.
PEACE OF VILLAFRANCA.
The Peril of Aus^yia. — Threatened Intervention of the Great Powers. — Reasons for the Peace of Villafranca. — Interview between the two Emperors. — Napoleon's Address to his Army. — His Return to France. — Address to the Great Bodies of the State. — The Banquet at the Louvre. — Perplexities of the Italian Question. — Plan of a Confederation. — Opposition of the Pope. — The Vote for Italian Unity. — Additional Embarrassments. — Napoleon's Letter to Victor Emanuel. — His Letter to the Pope. — Agitation throughout Europe. — Inflexibility of the Papal Government. — Vast DiiBculties of the Italian Question 585
CHAPTER XXXV.
MESSAGES AND DIPLOMACY.
Address to the Legislative Corps. — Deputation from Savoy. — Expedition to Syria. — Journey to Algiers. — Opening of the Legislative Corps, — Inauguration of the " Boulevard Malesherbes." — Letter on the Affairs of Italy. — Inauguration of the " Boulevard Prince Eugene." — Address to the Legislative Corps. — Discourse upon the World's Exposition at London. — Letter upon Algeria 600
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE LIBERATION OF VENETIA.
State of the Italian Question. — The Sympathies of France. — Letter of Napoleon III. to the Sovereigns of Europe. — Speech to the Legislative Corps. — Rejection by England. — Response of the Continental Sovereigns. — Schleswig and Holstcin. — Plans of Bismark. — Diplomatic Measures. — Alarm of England. — Napoleon's Reply to the Proposition for a Congress. — The War. — Its Results. — Venetia liberated. — The Roman Question 611
CHAPTER XXXVIL
THE MEXICAN QUESTION.
Revolutions in Mexico. — The American Expedition. — The Alliance of Spain, France, and England. — Object of the Alliance. — The Squadron at Vera Cruz. — Disappointment of the Allies. — Discordant Views. — Withdrawal of England and Spain. — Peril of the French Troops. — Repulse at Puebla. — Struggles and Victories. — Triumphal Entry to the City of Mexico. — The Empire established. — The Archduke Maximilian chosen Emperor. — The Delegation at Miramar 626
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
MAXIMILIAN AND HIS THRONE.
Character of Maximilian. — Character of Carlota. — Departure from Trieste. — Words of Adieu. — Arrival in Mexico. — Enthusiastic Greeting. — Triumphal Journey to the Capital. — Administrative Measures. — Ap])arent Popularity of the Empire. — Hostility of the United States. — Departure of Carlota for Europe. — Her Insanity . . 643
CHAPTER XXXIX.
THE OVERTHROW OF THE THRONE OF MAXIMILIAN.
Gathering Gloom. — Guerillas. — Insanity of Carlota. — Menacing Attitude of the United States. — Withdrawal of French Troops. — Proclamation of Marshal Bazaine. — Statement of Napoleon III. — Heroic Resolve of Maximilian. — His Call for a Congress. — Besieged in Queretaro. — Treachery of Lopez. — Capture of the Emperor. — Scenes in Prison. — Trial. — Execution. — The Results in Mexico 6^4
CHAPTER XL.
THE RESULTS OF THE EMPIRE.
The International Exposition. — The Royal Guests. — Influence of the Exposition. — The Emperor's Address to the Commissioners. — Letter to the Minister of the Interior. — Aims of the Emperor. — His " Life of Julius Caesar." — The Prosperity of France. — Freedom of Debate. — Decree of Jan. 19, 1867. — Efforts to create Stable Institutions.
— The Constitutions of England, America, and France. — Prosperity of France under
the Empire .868
CHAPTER XLI.
THE FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR.
The Rhine Boundary. — Intrigue of Charles X. — Subserviency of Louis Philippe. — Character of the Treaties of 1815. — Views of Louis Napoleon. — Vast Growth of Prussia.
— Views of the French Imperial Government. — Addresses of the Emperor. — Exposure of the Northern Frontier of France. — Ambitious Plans of Count Bismarck. — Prince Leopold. — Cause of the Franco-Prussian War. — Efforts of the Emperor to avert it. — Unanimity of the French People. — Remarks of Hon. J. T. Headley. — Preparation of Prussia. — Commencement of Hostilities. — Constant Disaster to the French Arms. — Proclamation of the Empress. — The Disaster at Sedan. — Captivity of the Emperor . 679
CHAPTER XLII.
THE OVERTHROW OF THE EMPIRE, AND DEATH OF THE EMPEROR.
Letter from the King of Prussia. — The Castle of Wilhelmshohe. — Scenes in Paris. — Triumph of the Mob. — Escape of the Empress. — Sacking the Tuileries. — Combination of Parties against the Empire. — New Governments organized in Different Cities. — The Compromise of the Empire. — Remark of Hon. W. H. Seward. — Testimony of Hon. John A. Dix. — Powerlessness of France. — Views of the King of Prussia and of Count Bismarck. — Testimony of "The London Sunday Times." — Remarks of the Captive Emperor. — Statement in " The New- York Herald." — Retirement to Chiselhurst. — Death and Burial 693
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You’ve reached the end of The history of Napoleon III, emperor of the French. Including a brief narrative of all the most important events which have occurred in Europe since the fall of Napoleon I until the overthrow of the second empire and the death of Napoleon III..