Bourbon Restoration facts for kids

The Bourbon Restoration was a time in France when the old royal family, the House of Bourbon, returned to power. This happened after the big changes of the French Revolution and the time when Napoleon Bonaparte was in charge. It started in 1814 after Napoleon was defeated and sent away to Elba Island, a small island off the coast of Italy.

After Napoleon was gone, Louis XVIII of France became king. He was the younger brother of Louis XVI of France, who had been king before the revolution. Louis XVIII was chosen as king in 1814 by a group of important European leaders at a meeting called the Congress of Vienna.

King Louis XVIII's Return

Louis XVIII's rule wasn't completely smooth. Napoleon managed to escape from Elba in 1815 and tried to take back control of France. This period is known as the Hundred Days. During this time, Louis XVIII had to leave the country.

But Napoleon was defeated again, this time at the Battle of Waterloo. After this, Louis XVIII was able to return to power in 1815. He ruled until he died in 1824.

Key People During Louis XVIII's Reign

During Louis XVIII's time as king, some important people helped him govern France.

• Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord: He was a very clever diplomat who worked for many different French leaders, including the Bourbons. He was known for being able to adapt to new situations.
• Élie, duc Decazes: He was a loyal minister who helped Louis XVIII. He was one of the most powerful people in the government from 1818 to 1820.
• François-René de Chateaubriand: He was a famous writer and politician. He was part of the Chamber of Peers, which was like a part of the French parliament.

Charles X Takes the Throne

When Louis XVIII died in 1824, his younger brother, Charles X of France, became the new king. Charles X wanted to bring back more of the old traditions and power of the monarchy.

The July Revolution

Charles X's rule was not popular with everyone. Many people in France wanted more freedom and a government that represented them better. In 1830, there was another uprising in Paris called the July Revolution. This revolution forced Charles X to leave the throne.

After Charles X was removed, the Bourbon Restoration officially ended. A new period began in France with a different kind of monarchy.

Images for kids

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  Louis XVIII makes a return at the Hôtel de Ville de Paris on August 29th, 1814

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  Popular colored etching, verging on caricature, published by Décrouant, early 19th century: La famille royale et les alliées s'occupant du bonheur de l'Europe (The Royal Family and the Allies concerned with the Happiness of Europe)

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  Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, who served under several regimes, depicted "floating with the tide". Note the high heel of Talleyrand's left shoe, alluding both to his limp and the Devil's hoof.

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  Louis XVIII is asked if his intention is to include or to exclude those from his royal services, who had been part of the House of Bonaparte (Paris on July 18, 1815).

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  Élie, 1st comte Decazes, remained loyal to the Bourbons during the Hundred Days and was the most powerful minister from 1818 to 1820

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  François-René de Chateaubriand, a Romantic writer who sat in the Chamber of Peers

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  Caricature of Louis preparing for the Spanish expedition, by George Cruikshank

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  Charles X, by François Gérard

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  Coronation of Charles X of France, by François Gérard

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  Eugène-Louis Lami, Grenadier of the Royal Guard, ca. 1817, Princeton University Art Museum, showing the uniform of a Grenadier of the Royal Guard under Charles X

See also

In Spanish: Restauración borbónica para niños