NAPOLEON III, THE LAST FRENCH EMPEROR

Exceptional destinies

An episode from the series SECRETS OF HISTORY - PORTRAITS

Synopsis

Following in the glorious footsteps of his uncle Napoleon I, Prince Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte became the first French president to be elected by universal suffrage before overthrowing the Republic and being crowned emperor under the name of Napoleon III. This move was immediately approved by referendum.

His ambition was all-consuming. Yet his path to power was fraught with difficulties, not least because his family origins forced him into exile.

But Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte was resourceful, as when he managed to make a staggering escape from the state prison at Ham Fort, disguised as a bricklayer.