Haussmann was a dynamic figure with a larger-than-life legacy.

In 1852 Napoleon III announced, Paris is the heart of France.

Let us apply our efforts to embellishing this great city.

Did You Know Paris Was Rebuilt? Introducing Baron Haussmann and the “Haussmannization” of Paris

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More poetically, he asked him toaerer, unifier, et embellirParis.

Haussmann widened the tight medieval streets into expansive avenues to bring more light and air into the blocks.

He would also create an axial system of streets that highlighted important cultural centers of Parisian life.

Did You Know Paris Was Rebuilt? Introducing Baron Haussmann and the “Haussmannization” of Paris

Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann (Photo:Wikimedia Commons)

Interestingly, he believes a part of this negative reputation can be attributed to the legendary writerVictor Hugo.

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It is certainly undeniable that Haussmann cleaned up Paris.

In terms of health, the city was struggling with cholera, typhoid, and other ailments.

Did You Know Paris Was Rebuilt? Introducing Baron Haussmann and the “Haussmannization” of Paris

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It was also desperately in need of the sewage system that Haussmann later implemented.

These were all aligned with Napoleon IIIs mission to clean up the dingy city.

Photo:Stock Photosfrom JeanLucIchard/Shutterstock

Haussmanns search for cleanliness meant much of Paris oldest architecture was destroyed.

Did You Know Paris Was Rebuilt? Introducing Baron Haussmann and the “Haussmannization” of Paris

Photo:Stock Photosfrom HUANG Zheng/Shutterstock

Instead, we picture the wide avenues with lush greenery and posh shops.

These wide avenues are another point towards Haussmanns negative influence.

Conveniently for Napoleon III, the broad streets served a different purpose.

Did You Know Paris Was Rebuilt? Introducing Baron Haussmann and the “Haussmannization” of Paris

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Aside from this, the new Paris was also not as diverse as the original city.

This divided legacy makes a lot of sense when you see it from both sides.

To many others, especially Parisians, Haussmann decimated history and the features that made Paris special.

Did You Know Paris Was Rebuilt? Introducing Baron Haussmann and the “Haussmannization” of Paris

1853 Map of Paris indicating Haussmann plan both completed and uncompleted streets (Photo:Wikimedia Commons)

Did You Know Paris Was Rebuilt? Introducing Baron Haussmann and the “Haussmannization” of Paris

Photo:Stock Photosfrom JeanLucIchard/Shutterstock

Did You Know Paris Was Rebuilt? Introducing Baron Haussmann and the “Haussmannization” of Paris

Photo:Stock Photosfrom engineervoshkin/Shutterstock