The French Second Empire refers to the period in France from 1852 to 1870 when Napoleon III ruled as Emperor. This era followed the 1848 revolution and was marked by significant industrial growth, urban development, and modernization, particularly in cities like Paris. The government focused on infrastructure projects, including railways and the renovation of Paris under the guidance of Georges-Eugène Haussmann. The Second Empire ended with France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, leading to the establishment of the French Third Republic. The period is often characterized by its opulent architecture, such as the Palais Garnier, and a complex political landscape that included both authoritarian rule and attempts at liberal reforms.