King Louis XVIII

Definition

King Louis XVIII (1814-1824) was the king of France who assumed the throne after Napoleon's abdication. He was known for his constitutional monarchy rule during the French Restoration period.

Analogy

Think of Louis XVIII as a substitute teacher who takes over when the regular teacher (Napoleon) is kicked out. He tries to change things up by introducing new rules (constitutional monarchy), but not everyone is happy about it.

Related terms

Bourbon Restoration: The period of French history following the fall of Napoleon in 1814 until July Revolution in 1830, marked by a return to constitutional monarchy under King Louis XVIII and Charles X.

Charter of 1814: A constitution granted by King Louis XVIII of France shortly after his restoration that provided for a bicameral legislature.

Ultra-Royalists: An extreme conservative faction during Bourbon Restoration that wanted to restore pre-revolutionary traditions and were opposed to any concessions towards those who had supported either Republic or Empire.