Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, born on April 20, 1808, was the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and became the first President of France. He was elected in 1848 and served until 1852, when he declared himself Emperor, taking the title Napoleon III. His rule marked the Second French Empire, which lasted until 1870. During his reign, Napoleon III focused on modernization and industrialization, improving infrastructure and promoting economic growth. He also engaged in foreign policy ventures, including the Franco-Prussian War, which ultimately led to his downfall and the establishment of the French Third Republic in 1870.