July Revolution

July Revolution, uprising in Paris in July 1830 that caused the abdication of King Charles X. It resulted in a victory for liberal advocates of constitutional reform over the absolute monarchy. The July Revolution of France acted as a signal for democratic uprisings on the European continent, particularly in Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Poland.

The main cause of the July Revolution was the reactionary policy adopted by Louis XVIII and his brother, Charles, who had become king in 1824. Two classes, the nobility and the clergy, both foes of democratic progress, were shown special favour. These favours included partial payments for lands the state had confiscated during the French Revolution; readmission of the Jesuits, who had been driven out of the country during the Revolution; and the clergy were given control over education. In addition, Charles took severe measures curtailing the liberty of the press. In March 1830 the Chamber of Deputies, the lower legislative house, demanded the dismissal of several of the king's ministers. In response the king dissolved the legislature. The king ordered new elections, but the results indicated that the new legislature was set to be even more strongly opposed to the policies of Charles than its predecessor had been.

On July 26, a few days before the new legislature was to meet, the minister of domestic affairs issued ordinances completely suspending the freedom of the press and declaring the new elections null and void. The people revolted, and rebels took possession of the municipal government in the Hotel de Ville. By July 29, after three days of fighting, the entire city was in the hands of the insurgents. Charles withdrew his minister's ordinances, but it was too late. The king was forced to abdicate, and he fled to England. The workers advocated a republican form of government, but the liberals, supported by the Marquis de Lafayette, favoured a limited monarchy under Louis Philippe, Duc d' Orléans. On August 9, Louis Philippe was elected king.