Paris—Napoleon III had been utterly dazed by the unexpected windfall that seemed to have fallen from the sky.
France's diplomatic situation had always been precarious, with European nations seemingly excluding them with an unspoken agreement, often leaving France out of various activities.
Among the four major powers of Europe, France's political influence was the weakest; any slightly unconventional action could provoke neighbors into preparing for war as if facing a formidable enemy.
After ascending to the throne, Napoleon III made great efforts to improve the diplomatic environment, yet the results were minimal.
Countries spoke well of France, but in practice, they still guarded against it vigilantly, especially after the annexation of the Kingdom of Sardinia when a united defense alliance emerged directly.
In the beginning, Napoleon III was somewhat worried, fearing another Anti-French Alliance. As time went on, he got used to it.
