To what extent was the foreign policy of Napoleon III successful?

Candidates will consider the merits of the argument that Napoleon III’s foreign policy was successful, identifying his foreign policy goals and gauging the extent to which they were achieved. Napoleon’s goal was to restore French status and improve relations with other powers. Examples of successful foreign policy may include improved relations with Britain (especially through trade), the holding of the post-Crimean conference in Paris and gaining territory (Nice and Savoy) after the Italian war. France was perceived as a major power, which increased Napoleon III’s support at home. However, his foreign policy in the 1860s was largely a failure and lost France potential allies. Austria-Hungary was hostile after events in Mexico and Britain was suspicious of Napoleon III’s ambitions in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Rhineland. The alliance with Prussia was temporary and, by the time of the outbreak of war in 1870, France was isolated and was easily defeated.