Revolutions in

The two later French Revolutions, the of 1830 and the French Revolution of 1848, were two major events that not only impacted , but the rest of Europe as well. The French Revolution of 1830, better known as the , was triggered after Louis XVIII died, and his brother, , rose to power. He established the French that many citizens of France opposed. On Tuesday, July 27, 1830, fighting broke out in the streets of Paris between military officials and angered citizens. By that Thursday, the rebels gained control and forced Charles X to abdicate to Great Britain. The French Revolution of 1848 was started for reasons very similar to the July Revolution. The citizens of France were once again angered by the way the country was being run, and were unhappy that only about 1% of the population was allowed to vote. Thus, fighting once again broke out between French officials and displeased citizens, and the citizens came out on top. King Louis Philippe fled to England and a republic was then set up in France.

1. July Revolution, 1830

• After King Louis XVIII’s death in 1824, his brother, Charles X, inherited the French throne • Charles X was an absolute monarch – he had absolute power and took away people’s rights • In 1830, Charles suspended the legislature, limited the right to vote, and restricted the press • Angry citizens, led by liberals and radicals, rebelled, fired on soldiers, threw stones, and soon controlled Paris • Charles X abdicated – fled to England

A new government

• Radicals hoped to set up a republic – a government with elected representatives, but liberals insisted on a , a monarchy whose power is limited by a constitution • Louis Philippe (cousin of Charles X) was chosen king • Louis Philippe favored the bourgeoisie, or middle class, over the workers • He was known as the “citizen king” because he owed his throne to the people • He did extend suffrage, but only to wealthy citizens – most people still did not vote

‘Whenever France sneezes, Europe catches a cold.’ - Metternich

Effects of Paris Revolts

• Paris revolts inspired uprisings elsewhere in Europe • Most revolts failed, but the revolutions frightened rulers and encouraged reforms • One notable success was in , which achieved its independence from Holland in 1831 • Belgium had been forcefully united with the at the to prevent future French aggression • Belgium had different language (Belgian vs. Dutch), different religion (Catholic vs. Protestant), and different economy (manufacturing vs. trade) • The Paris uprising sparked a successful rebellion in Brussels, Belgium • Nationalists also revolted in Poland in 1830, but failed to win widespread support • Russian forces crushed the independence movement in Poland

2. February Revolution, 1848 • Discontent grew again in France in 1840s • Radicals, socialists, and liberals denounced Louis Philippe’s government • An economic recession heightened the discontent • People lost their jobs and poor harvests caused bread prices to rise • Newspapers blamed the government for the economic crises • When the government tried to silence the critics, angry crowds took to the streets in February, 1848 (“February Days”)

February Days, 1848

• Government tried to silence the critics and block public meetings • Protestors rioted in the streets • Mobs blocked streets, overturned carts, and toppled trees • Royal troops killed some protestors • Louis Philippe decided to abdicate • A group of liberals, radicals, and socialists proclaimed the Second Republic • Differences in the Second Republic • Middle class liberals wanted moderate political reforms • Socialists demanded serious social and economic changes • Socialists forced the government to establish national workshops to provide jobs for the unemployed

June Days (1848)

• The national workshops were shut down as a waste of money • Workers rioted again in the streets • About 1500 people were killed before the government crushed the • A bitter legacy was left – middle class feared and distrusted socialists while working class hated the middle class bourgeoisie

• By the end of 1848, the National Assembly issued a constitution for the Second Republic, giving the right to vote to all adult men

• When the election for President was held, Louis , the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, won

• However, by 1852 he had proclaimed himself Emperor Napoleon III

• This ended the Second Republic Effects of Paris Revolution of 1848

• fever spread across Europe!!! • Middle class liberals wanted greater share of political power for themselves • Middle class liberals wanted basic rights for all male citizens • Workers demanded relief from miserable working conditions • Nationalists wanted to eliminate foreign rule

Describe events in Paris in February 1848 leading to the Second French Republic.  A Reform Banquet planned for 22 February 1848 was banned by Guizot.  On 22 February there was a protest march through Paris and barricades went up in the streets.  On 23 February Louis Philippe dismissed Guizot.  Mole and Thiers were offered the leadership, but both refused.  assumed control.  Louis Philippe abdicated in favor of his grandson.

Describe the revolutionary events in Paris in June 1848.  Guizot banned a Reform Banquet.  He was accused by the Deputies of forgetting who it was who put Louis Philippe on the throne in1830.  The crowds took to the barriers shouting “Vive la Reforme!” and “Mourir pour la Patrie”.  Louis Philippe took fright and fled leaving the rebels in charge.  The Socialists and Republicans combined to form a provisional government of the new Second Republic (Feb.1848).  The Republicans immediately gave the vote to all men over 21.  They created the National Workshops in Paris to give jobs to the unemployed  The National Workshops were closed down in June 1848.  This brought fresh uprisings called the ‘June Days’.  The risings were ruthlessly suppressed.  Over 1500 were killed in four days of fighting.  Large numbers were executed, imprisoned or sent overseas.

Why were the actions of Guizot important in causing the February 1848 Revolution in France?  Guizot refused to respond to demands to extend the franchise. Supporters of reform organized a Reform Banquet to drum up support for their cause, but this was banned by  Guizot. Opposition groups felt their only option now was revolution  Guizot refused to allow certain reforms  Guizot banned a Reform Banquet planned for 22 February  Guizot did not respond to demands to extend the franchise  Guizot wanted to ensure that middle class domination of the Chamber of Deputies  continued  Guizot’s actions meant that opposition groups felt that their only option was revolution Why was Louis Philippe overthrown in 1848? [6]  Louis, the government and businessmen seemed to be becoming richer, while most were in poverty. The government did not seem to be doing anything to spread the wealth.  There had been a series of poor harvests and food prices were high. With poor employment because of the economic depression, many struggled to afford the high prices.  People feared a return to 1789.  There had been high food prices.  There was much unemployment.  The rich seemed to get richer and the poor poorer.  Guizot banned a Reform Banquet.  The Chamber of Deputies did not feel appreciated.  Louis was uninspiring.  He had a lack-luster foreign policy.

How far was the issue of electoral reform the reason for revolution in France in 1848? Explain your answer. [10]

 The bourgeoisie was refused the vote by Louis and his conservative ministers. This was despite the pressure from Reform Banquets demanding that the vote should be extended to the wealth creators of the country.  From 1846 to 1848, there had been a series of poor harvests causing high prices for food. There had been an economic crisis causing much unemployment and a widening pay gap. This caused civil unrest.  There was an economic crisis.  There were poor harvests.  Working conditions deteriorated.  The income gap widened.  There was a refusal to extend the franchise.  The Reform Banquets had a significant impact.  Louis Philippe had a ‘laissez-faire’ attitude.  Socialists and Bonapartists made up the opposition.