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France 1814-48. The July Monarchy. 1830 Revolution – what next?. A regency until Charles’ grandson came of age? A republic under the leadership of Lafayette, hero of 1789? Another monarchy under Louis Philippe? Outside chance of another Bonaparte?. The July Monarchy 1830-48.
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France 1814-48 The July Monarchy
1830 Revolution – what next? • A regency until Charles’ grandson came of age? • A republic under the leadership of Lafayette, hero of 1789? • Another monarchy under Louis Philippe? • Outside chance of another Bonaparte?
The July Monarchy 1830-48 • Family connection with the Bourbons • Father had sympathised with the Revolution • Critic of Charles X • Family was one of the wealthiest in France
Early changes Wealthy wanted to reverse policies of Charles X • New flag • Louis Philippe NOT Louis XIX or Philip VI • “King of the French by the Grace of God & will of the people”
Political Changes • King could no longer suspend laws & rule by decree • Assembly could now propose legislation • Electorate increased from 94,000 to almost 130,000 • Power of Church reduced - now the religion ‘practised by the majority’
Two views of 1830 1830 seen as Start for more political Change & Social reform REFORM POLITICALCHANGE ‘The Party of Movement’ 1830 only chance to change the King. Wished to preserve status quo STABILITY POLITICAL STAGNATION ‘The Party Of Resistance’
Challenges to Louis-Philippe Bonapartists – gave support to Louis Napoleon Bonaparte. Wanted return to days of glory. 2 failed coups, 1836 & 1840 Legitimists – gave support to son of Duc de Berri. Attempted coup 1832 Republicans – no distinct party – lot of support from poorer classes. Led by middle class activists who wanted more democratic system. Biggest threat to Louis Philippe
Political Opposition • LP position rested on narrow social elite • He was determined to rule and not to allow parliament to dominate French politics • Middle classes became increasingly angry at exclusion from politics • LP’s refusals to listen to demands for social reforms strengthened socialist cause
The Impact of the Industrial Revolution • By 1830 France undergoing industrial revolution – impact of urbanisation • Strikes in various cities 1830-34 • LP’s govt supported bosses – soldiers sent in to break up strikes • Number of armed uprisings brutally suppressed • Growth in socialism
Foreign Policy (1) • “La France, s’ennuie” (Lamartine) • First chance at glory was Belgium • LP reluctant to offer challenge to settlement of 1815 • Worked closely with GB • Safe but boring!
Foreign Policy (2) • Support given to Mehemet Ali in his conflict with Turkey • Other Great Powers opted to support Sultan so France left isolated • MA’s forces pushed out of Syria and was further punished • Loss of face for the French
Foreign Policy (3) Guizot and the Spanish Marriages • Plan was to unite French & Spanish thrones through marriage of LP’s son & Spanish Infanta • Plan failed through Queen producing heir • Only result was to annoy Britain • No support offered in 1848
Domestic Issues (1) • Louis Philippe was king neither by divine right nor popular mandate • Rise to power was carefully engineered compromise to restrain republicans & to protect property owners from Bourbons • Political frustration was one of key factors in fall of LP in 1848 • ‘Never, never, will the time come for universal suffrage.’
Domestic Issues (2) • “They may do what they like but they shall not prevent me from driving my own coach” • From May 1832 to October 1840 had no less than 10 chief ministers • Corruption used to control parliament • Freedom of press curtailed – journalists tried without juries
Domestic Issues (3) • By 1847 economic & social conditions in France attracting widespread interest • Government unable or unwilling to address issues • Labour relations poor – much working class discontent • Brutal force used by government to repress opposition
Domestic Issues (4) • Between 1841 and 1845 some social legislation passed but not enough to satisfy demands for extension of the vote • Bad weather led to poor harvests and caused rising food prices • Bakeries & food shops looted • In towns businesses failed & factories closed adding to the unemployed • Series of government scandals now unfolded
Domestic Issues (4) • Thiers introduced amendment to increase franchise – rejected by Guizot • Liberal opposition turned to external pressure – the Reform Banquets • Aim to share power, not take it from rulers • Cancelled banquet led to spontaneous demo • National Guard reluctant but actions sparked violent reaction • King soon abdicated
Final Thoughts! • 2nd attempt to establish constit monarchy had failed for more or less same reason as the first • King determined to rule & m/class who were largely excluded from political power were not prepared to accept this • Working class roused by economic problems – no support from m/class for LP