What is the historical reason for Paris's broad streets and blvds?

Answer 1

It was Baron Georges-Eugene Haussman (1809-1891) who was hired by Napoleon III in 1853 to modernize Paris. There are two views of him: as the man who destroyed Old Paris; and the man who built New Paris.

“Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann was hired by Napoleon III on 22 June 1853 to "modernize" Paris. He hoped in hiring Haussmann that Paris could be moulded into a city with safer streets, better housing, more sanitary, hospitable, shopper-friendly communities, better traffic flow, and, last but not least, streets too broad for rebels to build barricades across them and where coherent battalions and artillery could circulate easily if need be.”
Read more detail here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baron_Haussmann

This is an interesting piece on the changing 19th century Paris: http://www.mapforum.com/15/blmap.htm

And some pictures, and another article on the same site: http://www.parisrama.com/photohaussmann/index.htm

Answer 2

I may not remember correctly, but I think they redesigned Paris after Parisian Commune rebellion(where Paris tried to rebel after the final collapse of the monarchy and set up some utopian society). Anyways, they made the streets wide and at right angles because the rebels were easily able to hide in alleys and set up barricades in the old set-up, and, this way, the streets would be more open and more difficult to block and otherwise be obstructed....

Answer 3

Elminster is right. I read that too. Also, Napoleon wanted to make it easy to hold a triumphant military parade down the Champs Elysee.

Answer 4

I believe it was to make it easier to hold during a military invasion or civil uprising. Wide boulevards make it easier to get military equipment through.

Answer 5

Napoleon III.

Answer 6

They designed it like that so the conquering armies had plenty of room to march in formation....

Answer 7

horse drawn wagons maybe? those were a little wider than todays standard size automobile

Answer 8

So the French could fit their fat butts down them. J/K LOL

Answer 9

Makes an "occupation" go faster...