Napoleon III style
The Napoleon III style was a highly eclectic style of architecture and decorative arts, which used elements of many different historical styles,and also made innovative use of modern materials, such as iron frameworks and glass skylights. It flourished during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III in France (1852–1871) and had an important influence on architecture and decoration in the rest of Europe and the United States. Major examples of the style include the Opéra Garnier in Paris by Charles Garnier (1862–71), the Bibliothèque nationale de France. and the Church of Saint Augustine (1860–1871). The architectural style was closely connected with Haussmann's renovation of Paris carried out during the Second Empire; the new buildings, such as the opera, were intended as the focal points of the new boulevards.
Napoleon III
Nevertheless war scares were consistently worked up by the press. The Times’ editor, John Delane, who visited France In January 1853, was greatly  impressed by its military preparedness and expressed his conviction that “ Louis-Napoleon was resolved on a forward foreign policy.” Louis-Napoléon was actually determined to increase the country’s naval power. The first purpose-built steam-powered battleship (worryingly christened after Napoleon) was launched in 1850 and the fortification of Cherbourg was strengthened. This led to the extension of the breakwater of Alderney and the construction of Fort Clonque.