Introduction

The French Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries caused great terror in the city of Paris. There was the spread of disease as well as the time known as the "Reign of Terror". However, in the mid 19th century, Napoleon Buonaparte took power and this began a time of intellectual, philosophical, and political life. Napoleon III employed Georges Haussmann to completely restructure Paris. Haussmann and his team of architects created hotels, train stations, and opera houses while also widening roads. The city was rebuilt on a modern day grid which allowed for easy travel within the city.

It was not a simple task to restructure Paris. There were setbacks because some people were very unhappy with the reconstruction and change in their normal way of life. The "modern Paris" also created inequalities in standards of living. People were beginning to pay more to live in the nicer areas, creating a social divide. However, the benefits greatly outweighed the costs. The city was clean, organized, and modernized, making itself ready for the years to come.

http://www.victorianweb.org/history/hist7.html

Urban Architecture

Haussmann's Architectural Paris: Urban Architecture

Haussmann visually unified the city with an architectural façade.

Baron Georges Haussmann was selected by Napoleon III in the late 1800s to architecturally unify the city and bring it into the modern age.  Haussmann and his architects modified apartment buildings to have a similar façade that would be simple and affordable to construct yet timeless and Neoclassical in style ("Haussmann's Paris").

Widened streets allowed for heightened buildings.

     Haussman and his team designed extravagant hotels with a combination of Renaissance and Baroque style.  Hotels were adorned with lavish decoration and located in fashionable districts.  They symbolized Paris' wealth and modern status("Haussmann's Paris").

 

Wide streets left room for monuments and statues.

     New public buildings were also constructed such as train stations and government offices.  Train stations were used by all people and were a catalyst for the migration of people to Paris.  The stations had vaulted roofs and were constructed with ironwork and glass.  The stations as well as the trains that they housed were a symbol of the modern age of Industrialization("Haussmann's Paris").  Claude Monet painted a series of works spotlighting the train stations.  A couple can be seen in the Musee d'Orsay, which itself used to be a train station.

Claude Monet's painting of Gare Saint-Lazare.

Currently the Musee d'Orsay, in 1900 it was
a train station built for an exposition.

     Another important structure from this time period is the Opera Garnier, which was designed by Charles Garnier and built in 1861.  It unified the city, quarter, and people of Paris("Haussmann's Paris").  The industrial age afforded the people to have free time, so they went to the Opera to be seen by others.  The building is Neoclassical with Baroque details.  It is the most decorated building of this era, because it was built for the enjoyment of the wealthy class.

     The Industrial Age brought modernity to Paris.  People migrated to the cities where they could enjoy the use of public buildings and improved railway systems to travel.  Haussmann's architectural changes not only unified the buildings in Paris, but also the people.  Haussmann's modifications were timeless and are still enjoyed today.

Work cited:

"Haussmann's Paris". The Art History Archive-Architecture. The Lilith Gallery. http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/architecture/Haussmanns-

     Architectural-  Paris.html.

All photos by Katherine Buchanan.
 

Social Factors

Haussmann's Architectural Paris: Social Factors

Haussmann's modernization of Paris during Napoleon III's rule was a response to the overpopulation of the districts and the growing concern of "infectious" air, brought upon by the popular miasmatic theory of disease in the mid-nineteenth century.  Not only did Haussmann transform the city streets and building architecture, but he also changed the social composition of Paris.

The city renovations were concentrated mainly in the center and west portions of the city.  As a result, the cost of living in those areas rose over that of living in the east and the outskirts of the city.  This created a social imbalance between the rich and the poor; wealthier people lived in the west while the less fortunate ones lived in the east.  Prior to Haussmann's renovations, society was divided according to the building floor.

Photo from thearthistoryarchive.com

The new city attracted very many people looking for work in the newly-renovated city.  Many of them moved to the outer parts of Paris.  The social zones that were formed were intentional; Haussmann, under the direction of Napoleon III, considered the effect of sprawl on the behavior of the lower-class community.  Revolutions in 1789 and 1848 had left an impression in Haussmann's mind to design the new city in a way so that they may not happen again.  The spread of the community kept it disorganized and less likely to develop mob behavior.

Works Cited:
http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/architecture/Haussmanns-Architectural-Paris.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rue-monge-angle.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Camille_Pissarro_002.jpg

Planning Factors

Haussmann's Architectural Paris: Planning Factors
To complete Napoleon III’s goal of turning Paris from its medieval self to one of the most modern cities the world had seen at that time, Haussmann had to integrate far reaching urban planning strategies.  Haussmann offered Paris an elaborate plan of entry points, traffic reorganization, and city networking.

Photo from www.thearthistoryarchive.com

From the on-set, Napoleon III and Haussmann envisioned the ‘New Paris’ to incorporate a Geometric grid that would have streets run from East/West & North/South, which was completed in the early 1860s.  One of the biggest problems the urban planners faced with the first phase of construction of the new street system was the existing road arrangement of the city.  Ultimately, there was far too much respect for the ancient monuments in place. It was elected upon not to have the full system realized, thus, offering a balance between old and new.   

The citizens saw great benefits with the widening of the city’s roads as it led to less overcrowding which resulted in disease, and also improved the speed and efficiency of traffic throughout the city.  The transformation of many narrow & winding roads of medieval Paris to straight & wide boulevards of ’new’ facilitated the very goal of modern efficiency that it was sought to create.    Every street was arranged for a reason, as streets led to the city center, and monuments were placed at the crossroads to showcase grandeur throughout.  The next phase in the planning of Paris was the division of the city into Quarters and 26 districts.  Such division was based largely on one’s economic status as  discussed in the economic factors section.   

Haussmann believed that one of the most crucial initiatives of this ‘new modern city’ was to have it, and the city’s inhabitants, to be in a state of cleanliness.  Thus, an intricate new sewer and water system was designed to truly renovate the city to a modern level.  With help from the chief engineer, Eugene Belgrand, the construction of the sewer system allowed Paris to handle large amounts of waste in a cleanly manner as it was poured in the downstream Seine.  Today, many marvel at the incredible work Haussmann’s planning and execution produced, and has since proved to be an inspiration that led to the revitalizations of many other preexisting cities.

Work Cited:

http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/architecture/Haussmanns-Architectural-Paris.html

http://www.parisrama.com/english%20version/pages_history/haussmann.htm

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/26037/26037-h/images/fig070.png&imgrefurl=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/26037/26037-h/26037-h.htm&usg=__dyz1T4quO-Z13QZETkURitOWVqs=&h=618&w=816&sz=228&hl=en&start=0&sig2=uzogYgX0d1uNWtKjRM5iEA&zoom=1&tbnid=sve8wAyvteq2cM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=170&ei=npqrTPObOI24sQPFxIWcAw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dparis%2Bboulevards%2B1860%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7TSNA%26biw%3D1345%26bih%3D562%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=156&oei=npqrTPObOI24sQPFxIWcAw&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0&tx=17&ty=45

http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi2523.htm

Political Factors

Haussmann's Architectural Paris: Political Factors

During this time period, Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, better known as Napoleon III was the president and dictator of France.  He was elected president in 1848.  He ran on the platform of strong government, social consolidation, and national greatness. However, presidential terms in France only last 4 years.  After 4 years, he still had the approval of the nation, but the government would not grant him an extension on his term.  He overthrew the government on December 2, 1851.  He then got 7 1/2 million votes (less than 10% of the registered voters) on December 20 to rule in a 10-year dictatorship as the Emperor of France and the political situation went from a republic to a dictatorship.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/Franz_Xaver_Winterhalter_Napoleon_III.jpg

He knew in 1848 there had just been a revolution, and he did not want that to happen again.  He then, on June 22, 1853 he commissioned Haussmann to make plans to change Paris to be a city that will not rebel.  The plans were going smoothly until Parisians started becoming unhappy with the destruction of their culture.  This made the regime's approval rating plummet, so Napoleon III fired Haussmann on Jan 5, 1870.

http://www.herodote.net/Images/NapoleonIIIHaussmannYvon.jpg

Napoleon fought in many wars, as seen below in his participation in the Crimean War.  This war was supporting England.  He also was involved with the Italian Question and the Franco-Purrisan war during his reigning era.  There were many other political battles he fought for France that are not mentioned here.  These wars were mostly victories he had much experience both of his own and learning from his uncle, Napoleon I which he can attribute most of his name recognition and success.

http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-facts/france-history/images/napoleon/napoleonIII/napoleon-iii-horseback.jpg

The end of his reign ended with a bloodless revolution on September 4, 1870.  His popularity had been decreasing, despite his changes in the country and how it was run.  By the end of the decade, people were dissatisfied and he stayed in power another 8 years after his 4 year presidential term and 10 year dictatorship. 

Works Cited:

http://www.fact-index.com/n/na/napoleon_iii_of_france.html

http://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/rschwart/hist255-s01/mapping-paris/Haussmann.html

http://www.google.com/search?q=Napoleon+iii&hl=en&client=safari&prmd=ib&tbs=tl:1&tbo=u&ei=hUmrTPOeNYL98AbYrMCECA&sa=X&oi=timeline_result&ct=title&resnum=18&ved=0CF8Q5wIwEQ

http://gallery.sjsu.edu/paris/politics/NapoleonIII00.htm

http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?ParagraphID=mmt

http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-history/second-french-empire.htm

Environmental Factors

Haussmann's Architectural Paris: Environmental Factors

The era of Haussmann’s Paris was a time of extreme industrial transformation and cultural progress. The number of Paris's inhabitants was rising steadily and the ancient cities were quickly becoming overcrowded. As a result, Paris became home to various new diseases. Haussmann was determined to transform the entire city into a functioning urban center, and in order to do so, he had to deal with the various new environmental factors. 

Photo from thearthistoryarchive.com

One important issue that was dealt with was the size of the streets. As they were, the streets in Paris were tiny and unable to support the growth of the population. Haussmann saw to it that streets were significantly widened and as a result, overcrowding was relieved and the risk for disease outbreaks was lowered. Haussmann's plan also included lining the streets with Chestnut trees. These not only help to maintain geometric and symmetrical aesthetic, but also proved to make the city more beautiful and improve air quality. 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Gobelins-pantheon.jpg

Once the previously filthy Paris was cleaned, many environmental factors were improved including air quality and circulation, water cleanliness, and green spaces.In terms of water, Haussmann commissioned engineer Belgrand to construct 600 kilometers of aqueduct between 1865 and 1900. This greatly improved hygiene. 

Before the renovation, green spaces in Paris were uncommon. With inspiration from the parks he saw in London, Haussman hired Jean-Charles Alphand (his future successor) to create large, open green spaces for all to enjoy. These parks enhanced the cities beauty and created peaceful places to relax and enjoy nature. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paris_Night.jpg

The city of Paris would in no way be what it is today without Haussmann. His vision and transformation of the city not only improved many areas of the environment but bettered the city as a whole.

Works Cited:
http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/architecture/Haussmanns-Architectural-Paris.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haussmann's_renovation_of_Paris#Green_spaces
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paris_Night.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Gobelins-pantheon.jpg

Economic Factors

Haussmann's Architectural Paris: Economic Factors

    Haussmann's goal was to re-create and modernize Paris as it was in the Middle Ages. Economic status played a large role in the reorganization of Paris. Haussmann divided the city into districts according to economic status. With this division, came the need for a new water and sewer system. He created a system that kept wastewater and contaminated water separate so that the human waste could be used as fertilizer to the crops, thereby strengthening the economy. The division of districts separated each class of citizens, causing the bourgeoisie to flaunt their wealth- making the economy boom. 
   

Photo from www.thearthistoryarchive.com

    The renovation of Paris by Haussmann caused economic growth, which began when Haussmann replaced old streets and dilapidated houses with wide, tree-lined boulevards and beautiful, expansive gardens. The old streets in which stores were lined on discouraged shoppers because there were no sidewalks. With Haussmann's reconstruction of boulevards, consumers were encouraged to "stroll" the streets of Paris to purchase products. His strategic architecture of beautiful monuments, buildings, and homes, and the elegantly designed streets, kept rioters away and boosted the economy. 

                   Photo from www.thearthistoryarchive.com
    The reconstruction of Paris by Haussmann captured the beauty of Paris as it is today. Before his architectural influence, Paris was dilapidated, crowded, and unhealthy. With Haussmann's help, the city's economy flourished; the bourgeoisie was encouraged to shop the streets of Paris rather than traveling for their goods, and the lower class could now produce more goods to make money for themselves because of the water and sewer system. 

                Photo from www.thearthistoryarchive.com


    This link is just a small look into the elegance that Haussmann created for the city of Paris. The Prestige Paris


Works Cited:
http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/architecture/Haussmanns-Architectural-Paris.html
http://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/rschwart/hist255-s01/mapping-paris/Haussmann.html

Conclusion

Haussmann has created Paris to be a structured, clean, efficient city that eludes beauty. Haussmann architecturally modified the city to become unified and built stunning hotels and opera houses with timeless splendor. He considered many planning factors when building the city. He equipped the city with improved networking, traffic reorganization, and accessible entry points. Widening of the city streets alleviated a great deal of issues. By doing so, the city decreased its risk for disease outbreak and improved the efficiency of traffic flow. Nature was brought into Paris’s reconstruction to accentuate the cities attributes. Green space was created and chestnut trees lined the streets which improved air quality. The new lovely construction of the city encouraged people to enjoy being outside in turn encouraging shopping to ultimately boost the economy. Haussmann molded Paris into an enchanting city by capturing all the critical factors associated with constructing a successful city. He paid attention to the details of every aspect from social factors to environmental to planning. Paris has evolved into one of the most famous cities in the world and has made a statement globally.