CHANCERIESTHE DIPLOMATIC ATLAS

Restored Kingdom of France

Restoration after Napoleon

The restored Kingdom of France was the Bourbon monarchy reestablished after Napoleon’s defeat in 1814. Louis XVIII and Charles X ruled during this period, interrupted by Napoleon’s Hundred Days in 1815 and ended by the revolution of 1830. They governed a country whose institutions and social order had been transformed by the Revolution and Empire. [2] [3] [4]

Louis XVIII’s Charter of June 1814 preserved important civil and property rights while locating executive authority in the crown. The king appointed ministers, commanded the armed forces, and negotiated treaties of peace, alliance, and commerce. Representative chambers shared legislative work, but foreign policy remained a royal responsibility. [2]

A Royal Mission in Washington

Baron Hyde de Neuville’s career made that transition visible in the United States. A royalist exile under Napoleon, he had lived in America before Louis XVIII appointed him minister in 1816. He and his wife later occupied Decatur House, close to the White House; a service wing accommodated members of the French legation’s staff. [1]

Commerce supplied concrete negotiating work. On 24 June 1822, Hyde de Neuville and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams signed a convention of navigation and commerce. President James Monroe used authority granted by Congress to suspend specified discriminatory duties on French ships and goods, subject to the convention’s exceptions. [5]

Another Change of Government

Charles X’s attempt to restrict political liberties helped provoke the July Revolution of 1830. Louis-Philippe’s accession and a revised charter inaugurated the July Monarchy. American representatives in France generally submitted fresh credentials when governments changed. [4] [6]

Sources

  1. Baron and Baroness Hyde de Neuville and Decatur House

    Opening history and paragraph beginning The Baron and Baroness returned to Washington

    Joel D. Treese, 19 June 2014; exile in the United States, Louis XVIII’s 1816 appointment, Decatur House tenancy from 1822, legation staff accommodation and hospitality.

  2. 4 juin 1814 — La Charte constitutionnelle

    Historical narrative on the Allied defeat of Napoleon, Louis XVIII’s return, the Charter, retained rights and royal authority over war and treaties.

  3. Régimes français depuis 1789

    Chronological entries for Première Restauration, Cent-jours, Deuxième Restauration and Monarchie de juillet.

  4. Monarchie de Juillet

    Entries for the July 1830 uprising, Charles X’s ordinances, Louis-Philippe’s acceptance of the revised charter and the ensuing July Monarchy.

  5. Proclamation 31—Suspending Discriminating Tonnage Duties on French Vessels, 24 June 1822

    James Monroe’s proclamation: congressional authority, signature by John Quincy Adams and Hyde de Neuville, and suspension of specified discriminatory duties from 1 October.

  6. A Guide to U.S. Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations: France

    Opening historical discussion of governmental changes and the submission of new credentials by resident American representatives.

Related Reading

Diplomatic Places

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Restored Kingdom of France. Chanceries Diplopedia. Record version e4adc6a17e4613a360c4.

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