Louis Philippe’s Domestic Policy

Position in 1830 By no means secure – installed by Thiers and his supporters as a compromise candidate Represented higher bourgeoisie Resented by the Legitimists Hated by republicans and red republicans (socialists) Industrial Revolution had produced a new social class – the workers – attracted to republicanism and red republicanism

Unrest Series of riots, strikes and disturbances across France Silk weavers strikes in Lyons 32 and 34 demanding minimum wage – put down by troops Massive anti clerical and anti royalist riot in Paris 1831 – put down by National Guard after 2 days of fighting

Opposition Groups Legitimists – plot in 1832 saw the Duchess of Berry land in South of France and declare her son Henry to be rightful King – put down by troops and Duchess arrested and imprisoned Legitimists remain an important source of opposition gaining support from nobility and the Church – never won over by Louis Philippe

Opposition groups Bonapartists – supporters of a new Emperor – favouring the Duke of Reichstadt Napoleon I’s son. Drew support from ranks of the army (had gained from Napoleon’s meritocratic approach to the army) 1832 Duke of Reichstadt died (Napoleon II) and Napoleon I’s nephew Louis Napoleon became ‘heir’

Opposition groups Republicans – a far more dangerous set of opponents, drew support from middle class and new emerging working class, anti clerical and anti royalist Several republican attempts to assassinate Louis Philippe throughout his reign

Opposition groups Red Republicans/Socialists A new ideology emerged as a new social class emerged – based on the ideas of Louis Blanc, Charles Fourier, Pierre Proudhon and others Socialism – threatened capitalism – wanted equality, nationalisation, intervention to set wages, improve conditions etc. Socialists very active in the wave of strikes and riots which led to the downfall of Louis Phillipe

Louis Philippe’s Ministries (governments) Middle class nature can be seen in his first 2 Chief Ministers Jacques Lafitte a banker – resigned during the republican crisis of 1831 Casimir Perier a businessman – died of cholera in 1832 Between Louis Philippe had no fewer than 10 chief ministers as he frequently interfered in government decisions and perhaps really only wanted a ‘puppet’

Repressive Legislation Press freedom restricted 1832 – special courts set up to try journalists – no juries Law of Association 1834 made it illegal to form a political group or society which opposed the regime 1835 made illegal to propose an alternative monarch or ruler Frequent arrests of leading republicans and socialists All of which led to a growth in an underground opposition movement of secret societies

Social Legislation 1833 Guizot Education law – set up primary schools in every commune, and teacher training colleges in every department. Teachers to be ‘qualified’ Guizot believed education would ‘cure’ the poor of republicanism and socialism AND improve meritocracy All boys to get a non clerical primary education which emphasised respect and obedience Improved literacy rates. School attendance rose from 2 million to 3.5 million , reduced the influence of the Church

Other reforms Not much as Guizot and Thiers presided over a regime committed to laissez faire ideology Guizot especially fiercely opposed any extension of the franchise ‘if you want the vote.. Get rich’ 1841 – law regulating Child Labour 1845 – Trade unions semi legalised but not allowed to strike or picket Was the failure to offer social reform to the workers crucial in the fall of Louis Philippe’s regime?