Why Is Paris So Distinct?

Perhaps one of the most famous cities in the world, Paris still ranks as the third most visited city in the world today. But what makes Paris so distinct? What made it so extraordinary that the Impressionists would paint it its scenes over and over again? Those who have visited the city recall the grand boulevards, neo-classical architecture, and wonderful social scene the city offers. If you think about paintings of Paris; Monet, Manet, and Renoir are recognizable names for those both familiar and unfamiliar with the art world. These artists painted the streets, the rivers, and the general life of Paris itself. These most memorable traits, however, were only established in the mid-nineteenth century by architect Georges-Eugene Haussmann in his redesign of the city commissioned by Napoléon III.
They both knew revolutions, such as the one both had just participated in, relied upon the support of the bourgeois and the poor urban classes of society. By the mid-1800s, the population of Paris doubled to more than a staggering one million. This boom resulted in overcrowding and the spread of diseases all Parisians. The streets pre-Haussmann were narrow and did not set the scene to what the Impressionists would come to paint. Napoleon knew that these narrow streets were also easy to barricade, making it difficult for troops to quell rebellions quickly. A modernized city would allow technology into the city, keeping it on par with London, which had been rebuilt after the fire in 1666. France’s new capital would be not only a sight to behold, but also work to correct social issues that were destroying the city from the inside. Additionally, the new city plan would help prevent any future