The July Revolution

Three days of fighting in Paris that overthrew Charles X and brought Louis-Philippe to the French throne.

Background

After the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy in 1815, Charles X ruled in a conservative, pro-clerical way and clashed with the elected chamber, which was dominated by liberals. A bad economic climate added to the discontent.

Course of events

On 25 July 1830 the king issued ordinances restricting the press, dissolving the chamber and narrowing the right to vote. Journalists and workers rose in Paris during the three days of 27 to 29 July, known as the Trois Glorieuses. Charles X abdicated and left France.

Legacy

Louis-Philippe, from the Orléans branch, became the king of the French under a revised charter in a more liberal monarchy. The revolution inspired uprisings in Belgium, Poland and parts of Italy and Germany.