DO YOU AGREE THAT THE BOURBONS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN DOWNFALL IN 1830?
In July 1830 a second French Revolution caused the then monarch, Charles X, to abdicate. He was replaced by the Duke of Orleans, marking the end of the Bourbon restoration, which had seen the Pre-Napoleonic regime return to power after the emperor’s exile. Although it lasted 15 years, and must therefore be judged as having its successes, cracks began to form in the regime and general dissatisfaction led to outspread revolt and revolution. It can therefore be established that some fault does indeed lie with the Bourbons. However how much blame can be apportioned to them? In 1814, Louis XVIII signed The Charter, taking a big step towards a Constitutional
In undoing most of the good work of his predecessor, as well as introducing a number of controversial laws of his own, he managed to turn the people of France against him and his line. The image of both monarchs is a factor that I believe plays a decisive factor in their downfall. Louis XVIII directly succeeded Napoleon, while the memory of him was still fresh in the minds of many. Throughout his time in power the emperor had built up a cult of personality, and when he departed the legend that he left behind must have seemed more grandiose than the man himself. In comparison, Louis’s cautious approach to politics must have seemed very weak to the people of France; coupled with his rotund figure, he would not be seen as a strong ruler like Napoleon, and his acceptance of the reductions of French borders would further this idea. He also seemed to lean heavily on the other European rulers, whom many would have seen as their natural foes, especially after they had to restore him for a second time after the ‘Hundred Days’ when he was carried back "in baggage train of the enemy". The people wanted a monarch in whom they could have faith in and Louis XVIII was not that monarch. On the other hand, Charles X looked much more the part of a monarch. However, he would have been reminiscent of the ancient regime and this would not have inspired loyalty from his men. He stood for all things that the people of France had