Abdication of Louis Philippe: The Times Report

This report on the abdication of Louis Philippe appeared in The Times on February 26, 1848. Louis Philippe had been king of France since 1830, when the July Revolution overthrew Charles X and the Bourbon dynasty. Although a constitutional monarch, Louis Philippe became more authoritarian, with the aim of re-establishing the old dynasty. Widespread corruption, a refusal to extend the franchise, a lethargic foreign policy, and economic depression in 1846 and 1847 saw Louis Philippe abandoned by both democratic and authoritarian supporters. In February 1848 his clumsy effort to prevent a Republican rally in Paris led to a clash between troops and demonstrators that turned into a revolution. Louis Philippe abdicated on February 24, 1848, leading to the formation of the Second Republic (1848-1852). After his abdication Louis Philippe lived with his family in England, where he died in 1850. Original spellings have been retained.