Explore the comprehensive biography of Louis XVIII, the last monarch to die in power in France. Learn about his early life, exile during the French Revolution, reign, policies, and enduring legacy.
Louis XVIII
Louis XVIII, born Louis-Stanislas-Xavier on November 17, 1755, in Versailles, France, was the King of France and Navarre from 1814 to 1824. He was the younger brother of King Louis XVI and became king after the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Early Life
Louis-Stanislas was the third son of King Louis XV and Queen Maria Leszczynska. He was educated at the Jesuit College in Louis-le-Grand and at the age of nine, he was made the Duke of Angoulême. Throughout his youth, he was known for his intellect and wit.
French Revolution
During the French Revolution, Louis-Stanislas was imprisoned for several years. He escaped from prison in 1796 and lived in exile in various European countries, including Prussia, Poland, and Russia. In 1801, he returned to France and lived in the city of Hartwell in England under the protection of King George III.
Restoration of the Monarchy
In 1814, Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Leipzig and Louis XVIII was restored to the French throne. Upon his return to France, Louis XVIII faced several challenges, including the reinstitution of the Bourbon monarchy, the restoration of the Church and the nobility, and the creation of a new constitution.
Reign
Louis XVIII’s reign was marked by several significant events. In 1815, he signed the Second Peace of Paris, which ended the war with England and returned French territories to France. He also established a new constitution, which granted greater political rights to the people of France and limited the power of the monarch.
In 1819, Louis XVIII signed the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, which ended the occupation of France by foreign powers and ensured the country’s independence. He also worked to improve the economy of France by implementing several economic reforms, such as the creation of a new system of weights and measures, the establishment of the Bank of France, and the establishment of a new tariff system.
Death and Legacy
Louis XVIII died on September 16, 1824, in Paris, France. He was succeeded by his brother, Charles X. Louis XVIII is remembered as a king who helped to restore the Bourbon monarchy in France and worked to improve the country’s economy. 0 0 0.
Louis XVIII: Comprehensive Biography
Introduction
Louis XVIII, the last monarch of France to die in power, played a pivotal role in French history. As a member of the Bourbon dynasty, his reign marked the restoration of the monarchy after the turbulent years of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. This comprehensive biography explores his life, reign, policies, and legacy.
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Louis Stanislas Xavier of France
- Birth: November 17, 1755, Versailles, France
- Parents: Louis Ferdinand, Dauphin of France, and Maria Josepha of Saxony
Born into royalty, Louis XVIII grew up in a privileged yet politically charged environment. As the younger brother of King Louis XVI, he was styled as the Count of Provence before ascending the throne.
Role During the French Revolution
The French Revolution forced Louis XVIII into exile in 1791. He traveled extensively across Europe, seeking support from monarchs to restore the Bourbon monarchy. His time in exile shaped his political philosophy, blending conservative royalism with pragmatic compromises.
Ascension to the Throne
After the fall of Napoleon in 1814, Louis XVIII became King of France during the Bourbon Restoration. His reign was briefly interrupted during the Hundred Days in 1815 when Napoleon returned, but Louis was reinstated following Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo.
Reign and Policies
- Constitutional Monarchy: Louis XVIII adopted the Charter of 1814, which established a constitutional framework while maintaining royal authority.
- Moderation: His policies sought to balance conservative and liberal factions in a deeply divided France.
- Cultural Renaissance: The arts and sciences flourished during his reign, signaling a return to stability.
Personal Life
Louis XVIII was known for his intellectual pursuits and refined manners. Despite physical ailments, including gout and obesity, he remained an active and engaged ruler.
Legacy
Louis XVIII’s reign laid the groundwork for modern constitutional monarchy in France. His ability to navigate political challenges without descending into despotism or chaos cemented his reputation as a stabilizing force during a tumultuous era.
Louis XVIII: Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Louis Stanislas Xavier of France |
| Birth | November 17, 1755, Versailles, France |
| Parents | Louis Ferdinand, Dauphin of France, and Maria Josepha of Saxony |
| Royal Title | Count of Provence (before becoming king) |
| Exile Period | 1791–1814 |
| Ascension to Throne | 1814, after Napoleon’s abdication |
| Interrupted Reign | The Hundred Days (March–July 1815, during Napoleon’s return) |
| Key Policy | Charter of 1814 – Introduced constitutional monarchy |
| Notable Traits | Intellectual pursuits, diplomacy, balancing conservative and liberal factions |
| Physical Ailments | Suffered from gout and obesity |
| Death | September 16, 1824, Paris, France |
| Legacy | Stabilized post-revolutionary France and established the framework for constitutional rule |
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book ‘Brief Biographies of Eminent Monarchs‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Books of Biography by M. Menonimus:
- The World Writers-Brief Biographies
- Introduction to World Writers
- Introduction to World Personalities
- Love of Reputed Persons
- Brief Biographies of Ancient Thinkers and Writers..
Additional Searches:
- Famous Kings and Queens
- Living Biographies of Famous Rulers
- Biography of Elizabeth II
- Most Famous Kings in History
