Charles X

Charles X (1757–1836) was King of France from 1824 to 1830. He was the last king from the Bourbon family to rule France. A king is a male ruler who inherits power through family lines. Charles X ruled during a time when France was still adjusting after the French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Charles X was born in 1757 at the Palace of Versailles. His full name was Charles Philippe. He was the younger brother of King Louis XVI and King Louis XVIII. When the French Revolution began in 1789, the royal family lost power. Louis XVI was executed in 1793. Charles Philippe left France and lived in exile, which means living outside one’s own country for safety.

After the defeat of Napoleon in 1814, the Bourbon monarchy was restored to France. This period is called the Bourbon Restoration. Louis XVIII became king. When Louis XVIII died in 1824, Charles Philippe became King Charles X. He believed strongly in royal authority and the traditional power of the monarchy.

As king, Charles X supported the Catholic Church and the nobility. The nobility were families with special titles and privileges. He approved laws that gave money to nobles who had lost land during the French Revolution. He also limited freedom of the press, which means the right to publish newspapers and opinions. These actions caused anger among many people in France.

In 1830, Charles X issued a set of laws known as the July Ordinances. An ordinance is an official order by a ruler. These laws reduced the power of the elected assembly and restricted voting rights. Many citizens protested in Paris. This event became known as the July Revolution. After several days of fighting, Charles X lost control of the government.

Charles X abdicated, which means he gave up the throne, in 1830. He left France and lived the rest of his life in exile in other European countries. He died in 1836. After his removal, Louis-Philippe became king. Charles X is remembered as the last Bourbon king of France and as a ruler whose policies led directly to his fall from power.