Explain what is meant by the Haussmanisation of Paris. To what extent would you support or oppose this form of development? Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper, to either support or oppose this, giving reasons for your view.

Baron Haussmann, the Prefect of the Seine was the chief architect of the new Paris. Haussmanisation stands for the forcible reconstruction of cities to enhance their beauty and impose order. The poor were evicted from the centre of Paris to reduce the possibility of political rebellion and to beautify the city.

Letter to the Editor to support this form of Development:

Straight, broad avenues or boulevards and open spaces were designed, and full-grown trees transplanted. In addition, policemen were employed, night patrols were begun, and bus shelters and tap water introduced. Public works on this scale employed a large number of people: one in five working persons in Paris was in the building trade in the 1860s. Paris became the hub of many new architectural, social and intellectual developments that were very influential right through the twentieth century, even in other parts of the globe.