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| 1854–56 |
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| CRIMEAN WAR. Napoleon III sought a diplomatic solution to the situation in the Crimea because, unlike Britain, France had little interest in the region. Sixty-three thousand Frenchmen died, out of the 400,000 sent—the majority from disease, exposure, and improper treatment. | 1 |
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| 1855, May 15–Nov. 15 |
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| The Paris International Exposition marked French economic advances and prosperity. | 2 |
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| 1856, March 16 |
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| The imperial prince was born. | 3 |
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| 1857, June 23 |
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| The right of trademark in France for 15 years was established. This law marked the growing effort to provide protection for French enterprise within the international trade community. Two decrees in 1852 had regulated the rights to artistic and literary property, and the law regarding patents had been codified in 1844. Diplomats sought reciprocal agreements on copyrights throughout Europe in the 1850s. | 4 |
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| 1858, Jan. 14 |
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| Felice Orsini launched bombs, which he had obtained in England, at Louis-Napoleon's coach. His attempt on Napoleon's life precipitated the establishment of the Conseil privé. | 5 |
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| Feb. 1 |
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| The Conseil privé was established to advise the emperor on great occasions and could act in the event of Napoleon III's absence or incapacitation. | 6 |
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| Feb. 27 |
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| A law permitted the deportation, imprisonment, or exile without trial for anyone who had been found guilty of conspiracy during 1848, 1849, or 1851. Others found guilty of conspiracy could be fined or imprisoned. Newspapers were also repressed. | 7 |
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