19th Century Rulers of France

Napoleon Bonaparte

(1804-1814) First Empire. general; Emperor of France; he seized power in a coup d'état in 1799; he led French armies in conquering much of Europe, placing his relatives in positions of power. Defeated at the Battle of Waterloo, he was exiled on the island of Elba

Louis XVIII

(1814-1824) Restored Bourbon throne after the Revoltion. He accepted Napoleon's Civil Code (principle of equality before the law), honored the property rights of those who had purchased confiscated land and establish a bicameral (two-house) legislature consisting of the Chamber of Peers (chosen by king) and the Chamber of Deputies (chosen by an electorate).

First Republic

1792-1804, when Napoleon was crowned and the consulate period in france ended

Louis XVIII

1815-1824 Restored to power with the restoration of the monarchy

second republic

After the 1848 revolution in France, which caused Louis-Philippe to flee, this government system was put in place by revolutionists and guaranteed universal male suffrage. Louis-Napoleon (later known as Napoleon III), nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, was overwhelmingly elected president, and France enjoyed a period of stability and prosperity. This government was later overthrown in yet another coup d'etat.

Napoleon Empire Restored

First Empire, Restored The Hundred Days, 1815

Napoleon III

Nephew of Emperor Napoleon I. Used Napoleonic legend to win elections in 1848 to become France's first president under universal suffrage for men. Seized power in 1851 via coup d' état and became dictator of second French empire. Discards constitution, taking France back to 1791. Leads period of economic growth: rebuilt Paris, extends French power overseas (Crimean War, war for Italian unification (which got some territory for France Nice and Savoy), Constructed Suez Canal between Mediterranean and Red Sea. Losses thru involvement in mexico and Franco-Prussian war. Went into exile.

Louis Philippe

Orleanist king of France, 1830-48. "Citizen king" of July Monarchy (less regally dressed and carried an umbrella) who did not side with liberals vs. radicals but instead opposed both and resisted all change. He might have succeeded in keeping some degree of power if he had sided with liberals in developing a more constitutional monarchy. Increasingly out of touch with reality and resisted all reform efforts to extend the franchise. In the February Revolution of 1848 in which riots took place, he abdicated and left for England.

Charles X

Set out to restore the absolute monarchy with the help of ultraroyalists. Tried to repay nobles for lands lost during the revolution, but the liberals in the legislative assembly opposed him. Eventually, he issued the July Ordinances, which was designed to dissolve the assembly, end press freedom, and restrict voting rights