Restoration of the Monarchy

Restoration of the Monarchy in France

AFTERMATH OF NAPOLEONIC EMPIRE

Bourbon Restoration

• Definition: The Second Bourbon Restoration refers to the period following Napoleon's fall in 1815 when the House of Bourbon returned to power in France.

• Duration: Lasted until the July Revolution on 26 July 1830.

• Key Figures: Louis XVIII and Charles X, brothers of executed King Louis XVI, ruled successively.

• Government Type: Established a conservative regime aimed at restoring the Ancien Régime.

• Nation’s Condition: After the Napoleonic Wars, France experienced internal stability and economic prosperity, which laid the groundwork for industrialization.

Background of the Restoration

• Following the French Revolution (1789–1799), Napoleon’s rule extended to a vast empire but ended after his defeat in 1814.

• First Bourbon Restoration: Took place around 6 April 1814 until the July Revolution of 1830.

• The Congress of Vienna recognized the Bourbons but required them to relinquish significant territorial gains made since 1789.

Constitutional Monarchy

• Nature of Governance: Unlike the absolutist Ancien Régime, Louis XVIII operated under a constitutional monarchy with power limitations.

• Policies: Accepted most reforms from 1792-1814; did not reclaim lands from royalist exiles.

• Foreign Policy: Continued Napoleon’s objectives by limiting Austrian influence and restoring relations with Spain and the Ottoman Empire.

• Social Climate: Characterized by conservative backlash, minor civil unrest, yet relative political stability until Charles X’s reign.

• Church Influence: Strong reestablishment of the Catholic Church in politics.

Permanent Changes in French Society

• Centralization of Administration: France’s political structure became highly centralized, with decisions made in Paris.

  • Divided into over 80 homogeneous départements, each with a controlled prefect.

  • A standardized legal code replaced the fragmented legal frameworks of the old regime.

Church’s Position

• Revolutionary governments confiscated church properties, making restoration politically impossible.

• The Church operated with state-paid salaries for clergy; retained religious ceremonies and buildings.

• Bishops became less powerful but focused on personal piety among the faithful.

Educational Reforms

• Centralized Education: Controlled by the Grand Master of the University of France, with new technical universities established in Paris to train elites.

Social Structure

The Aristocracy

• Divided into old aristocracy and newer elites (noblesse d'empire).

• Old aristocracy sought to regain land but lacked loyalty to the regime; newer elites ridiculed them and sought a merit-based society.

• Conservative values became strong, with support for the Catholic Church.

Citizens' Rights

• Emerging Sentiments: Public anti-clericalism grew within the middle class and peasantries.

• Peasants gained rights but remained bound to traditional societal structures.

• The working class faced limited opportunities in a slowly industrializing France.

• Rise of French nationalism emphasizing pride in military successes.

Political Overview

• Charter of 1814: Drafted under Louis XVIII, promoting equality but preserving substantial royal prerogatives.

• Voting limited to taxpayers (300 Francs/year).

• King retained significant power over military, treaties, and appointments.

Transition to Charles X

• Succession: Louis XVIII died in September 1824; succeeded by Charles X, who adopted a more conservative approach.

• His policies, including the Anti-Sacrilege Act (1825–1830), led to dissatisfaction.

• Attempts to manipulate elections ignited public unrest, culminating in revolution; Charles X abdicated on 9 August 1830, leading to Louis-Philippe's rise as King of the French.