Blackwell Reference Online

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(1809–91), French administrator from Alsace who, as prefect of the Seine (1853–70) under napoleon iii , was responsible for rebuilding much of Paris. The emperor was determined to satisfy national and dynastic pride by providing France with a modern capital. New public buildings and parks were constructed and Haussmann's program also improved the city's transport, provisioning, water, and sewerage systems. The broad, straight boulevards that replaced the medieval labyrinth of streets in central Paris were partly designed to improve crowd control in the aftermath of the revolutions of 1848–9. Ironically, the displacement of the workers from the center to the suburban “Red Belt” may have helped to promote increased working-class consciousness (see also paris commune ). Haussmann, who adopted the title Baron, was forced out of office by accusations of financial irregularities. ... log in or subscribe to read full text