LA RESTAURATION & LA MONARCHIE DE JUILLET | Je révise avec toi | #21

Summary

This video explores France's Restoration (1814–1830) and the July Monarchy (1830–1848). Following Napoleon's abdication, Louis XVIII established a constitutional monarchy, balancing royal power with elected assemblies, but faced unpopularity and political challenges. His successor, Charles X, attempted to restore absolute monarchy, provoking the July Revolution of 1830, known as the Three Glorious Days, and was replaced by Louis-Philippe I. The July Monarchy embraced bourgeois values, modernized France, expanded education, and eased censorship, but growing economic hardship and political unrest led to the 1848 Revolution, ending the monarchy and ushering in the Second Republic with universal male suffrage.

Takeaways

• 👑 The Restoration (1814–1830) marked the return of the French monarchy after Napoleon's abdication, briefly interrupted by his Hundred Days in 1815.
• 📝 Louis XVIII, formerly the Count of Provence, established a constitutional monarchy sharing power with elected deputies and king-appointed fathers.
• ⚖️ The Charter of 1814 defined the rights and duties of the king and assemblies, balancing monarchical authority with legislative participation.
• 💔 Louis XVIII faced unpopularity due to harsh treaties imposed on France and his flight during Napoleon's return.
• 👑 Charles X, succeeding Louis XVIII in 1824, attempted to restore absolute monarchy, which led to public unrest and the Three Glorious Days in July 1830.
• 🔥 The Three Glorious Days (July 27–29, 1830) resulted in Charles X abdicating and going into exile, ending the Restoration.
• 🤴 Louis-Philippe I became King of the French, symbolizing closer ties to the people and revolutionary ideals, marking the start of the July Monarchy (1830–1848).
• 🏗️ Under Prime Minister Guizot, Louis-Philippe promoted economic development, modernized Paris, built railways, and supported industrial growth.
• 📚 Social reforms included the 1833 Guizot law providing free primary schools and laws prohibiting child labor under 8 years old.
• 📉 Poor harvests, economic crises, and political stagnation led to growing discontent, culminating in the 1848 Revolution and Louis-Philippe's abdication.
• 🇫🇷 The end of the July Monarchy led to the establishment of the Second Republic and the proclamation of universal male suffrage.

Q & A

What does the term 'Restoration' refer to in French history?

The Restoration refers to the return of the monarchy to France after the fall of Napoleon's First Empire, beginning in 1814 and lasting until the Revolution of the Three Glorious Days in 1830.

Who was restored to the throne of France in 1814, and what type of monarchy did he establish?

Louis XVIII, the brother of Louis XVI, was restored to the throne and established a constitutional monarchy, sharing power with elected deputies and appointed fathers under the Charter.

What was the Charter, and why was it significant during the Restoration?

The Charter was a constitutional document defining the rights and duties of the king and the assemblies. It symbolized the balance of power between the monarchy and representative institutions.

Why was Louis XVIII unpopular despite his efforts to stabilize France?

Louis XVIII was unpopular because he was restored by foreign powers, had to accept harsh treaties, fled during Napoleon's return, and represented a monarchy seen as imposed rather than fully legitimate.

How did Charles X’s policies lead to his downfall?

Charles X dissolved an assembly, suppressed press freedom, and restricted voting rights. These actions sparked violent opposition in Paris, culminating in the Three Glorious Days of July 1830, forcing his abdication.

What was the significance of the Three Glorious Days in 1830?

The Three Glorious Days (July 27–29, 1830) were a popular uprising in Paris against Charles X's authoritarian policies, which led to his abdication and the end of the Restoration.

How did Louis-Philippe I symbolize a new approach to monarchy during the July Monarchy?

Louis-Philippe adopted the title 'King of the French' to emphasize his connection to the people, supported revolutionary ideals, and represented the rising bourgeois class, contrasting with his predecessors.

What were some of the key reforms and developments under the July Monarchy?

Key reforms included ending censorship, restoring the tricolor flag, expanding voting rights to the bourgeoisie, prohibiting child labor under 8, creating free primary schools, and modernizing industry and infrastructure.

Why did the July Monarchy eventually collapse in 1848?

The monarchy collapsed due to economic hardship from poor harvests, growing social discontent, resistance to electoral reforms, and the Republican opposition organizing protests, culminating in Louis-Philippe's abdication.

What political system replaced the monarchy after the 1848 revolution, and what was a key feature?

The Second Republic replaced the monarchy, and a key feature was the introduction of universal male suffrage, marking a significant expansion of political participation.

Which military actions were undertaken by France during the Restoration, and how did they impact its international standing?

During the Restoration, France supported Greek independence against the Ottoman Empire and captured Algiers from Barbary pirates. These successes enhanced France’s military prestige but did not secure domestic political support for Charles X.