Napoleon IV shook his head and picked up a newspaper, saying, "You all must have seen these newspapers, they all speak of the decline of France.
Even our domestic newspapers hold the same pessimistic view. What this implies, I'm sure you all understand very well.
If we do not take countermeasures now, even if we want to fight back later, it will be impossible."
Even though they were reluctant to admit it, everyone knew in their hearts that France was indeed on the decline.
Especially economically, after quelling domestic rebellions, the French economy fell back to its 1860 level.
Although there has been some recovery over the past two years, it has just caught up to the level of 1870. To return to the peak period of 1881, at least three to four more years are needed.
A step slow, then everything slows down. France, already lagging behind in economy compared to the Anglo-Austrian alliance, was left even further behind by its two competitors.