Chapter 56, When the snipe and the clam grapple, it is the fisherman who profits.

The uprising in Rome presented many with opportunities to kick someone when they were down. International public opinion was overwhelmingly against the French government, including criticism from the French media itself.

There was no alternative, as this was a consequence of the ideological chaos. Some supported religious reform, while others opposed it, and many objected just for the sake of objection.

Perhaps Napoleon III had grown accustomed to this, as domestic public opinion didn't seem to have much impact on him, and he went about suppressing the rebellion as planned.

This greatly disappointed the British. The Italian uprising failed to shake the foundation of France; as long as Paris remained stable, it was unlikely that the Greater French Empire would collapse.

As expected, the grandiose Roman uprising lasted less than a week before the French quashed it. To be precise, after withstanding an assault for one morning, the Rebel Army was routed.