What are some similarities and differences between Napoleon I and Napoleon III?

Answer 1

There were many similarities and differences between the two, but here are some of the most important:

Both had aggressive foreign policy and advocated for colonialism and expansionism. However, Napoleon I forced expansion through military conquest and Napoleon III instead promised that he would not attack other European powers in order to extend the French Empire. Instead Napoleon III expanded France through his support in the Crimean War and the acquisition of territories such as Laos, China and parts of Africa.

Both defended the papacy and Catholicism in France. Napoleon brought Catholicism back to France after it was abolished during the French Revolution, and reestablished it as the dominant religion in France when he signed the Concordat of 1801 with the Pope. Napoleon III supported Catholicism in his defense of the Papal states he reinstated Pope Pius IX when his rule had been overthrown by the Italian revolutionaries.

Both were defeated harshly and exiled from their empires. Napoleon's empire crumbled after the Peninsular War in Spain and after his Russian campaign suffered unprecedented losses in the Siberian winter. He was exiled to Elba and finally St. Helena where he died. Napoleon III suffered a huge defeat during the Franco-Prussian War, outskilled by the superior Prussian army and preparations. He was exiled to England to live out his remaining days. Napoleon III would be the last monarch France would see.