The Second Empire gave way to the Third Republic after France lost the Franco-Prussian War to Prussia.
Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte (nephew of the more famous Napoleon) had become president of France in 1848, and tried to return to the nostalgic glory days of France as an empire by having a referendum in 1852 to name him as emperor. But the Second Empire never was as powerful as its predecessor.
The Third Republic, which commenced in 1870, lasted until France fell to German invasion in World War II (in 1940).
When Edward asked for more money to pay for the war with France, it led to an increase in democratic principles, since Parliament would only grant him this money under conditions that he respect individual rights.
Because of the fur that was plentiful. There was a huge demand for beaver fur coats and hats, and they wanted the territory for it.
