The last emperor of France before the establishment of the French Republic was Emperor Napoleon III. He ruled from 1852 to 1870 and was the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. His regime was characterized by industrialization and economic growth, but it also faced challenges such as political repression and an unpopular foreign policy. The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) marked his downfall when Prussia's military forces defeated the French. Following his capture, he abdicated the throne, leading to the proclamation of the Third French Republic. His reign represented the last attempt to restore an imperial rule in France after the fall of Napoleon I.