Charles X of France, born Charles Philippe, was the last Bourbon monarch to sit on the French throne. He was born on October 9, 1757, in the Palace of Versailles, France. Charles was the eldest son of Louis, Dauphin of France, and therefore the grandson of King Louis XV. He ascended the throne on September 16, 1824, following the death of his brother Louis XVIII. Charles X is remembered for his conservative policies that ultimately led to his overthrow during the July Revolution of 1830. As king, Charles X was a staunch believer in the divine right of kings and the authority of the monarchy. He sought to restore the absolute powers of the monarchy that had been significantly curtailed during the French Revolution and subsequent events. Charles X implemented a series of restrictive measures that included the suppression of freedom of the press and the reinstatement of censorship. These policies were deeply unpopular and contributed to growing discontent among the French population. One of the defining moments of Charles X’s reign was the July Ordinances, issued on July 25, 1830. These ordinances, aimed at limiting suffrage and undermining the power of the liberal opposition, sparked widespread protests across Paris. The protests quickly escalated into street riots known as the July Revolution. Faced with mounting opposition and the threat of civil war, Charles X and his family were compelled to flee to England. Exiled in England, Charles X sought support to reclaim his throne. However, his efforts were in vain, and he died in Gorizia, Austria on November 6, 1836. Despite his controversial reign and ultimate downfall, Charles X left a lasting impact on the political landscape of France. His policies and the events of the July Revolution paved the way for the establishment of the constitutional monarchy that endured in France until the Second Republic was proclaimed in 1848. Charles X of France remains a figure of historical importance, representing the tensions between tradition and progress that shaped nineteenth-century Europe. His legacy serves as a reminder of the perils of clinging to absolutist principles in a rapidly changing world. The events surrounding his reign and exile speak to the power of popular discontent and the potential for revolution. Today, Charles X’s story is a testament to the complexities of power and the delicate balance between monarchy and democracy.
