The July Revolution took place in 1830 after King Charles X issued the July Ordinances. These four ordinances increased censorship of the press and expanded the king’s power over the Chamber of Deputies, a democratically elected legislative body. These attempts at increasing monarchical power sparked outrage and led to several days of fighting in Paris. The revolution resulted in King Charles’s abdication. He was replaced by the Duc d’Orleans Louis-Philippe whose more moderate monarchism and attempt to appeal to liberals earned him the nickname the “King of the Bourgeoisie.” 

John Stuart Mill describes his fervent support for the July Revolution in his autobiography. He says “It roused my utmost enthusiasm, and gave me, as it were, a new existence. I went at once to Paris, was introduced to Lafayette, and laid the groundwork of the intercourse I afterwards kept up with several of the active chiefs of the extreme popular party.” (98-99) Mill’s approval of the July Revolution is in keeping with his liberal politics. King Charles had attempted to attack the press and undermine a democratically elected legislature, two institutions that John Stuart Mill and other liberals valued highly. 

Citations

Montgomery, David H. “Episode 39: The Four Ordinances.” The Siècle Podcast, 22 Jan. 2024, thesiecle.com/episode39/. 

“Research Guides: France: Women in the Revolution: Revolutions in France: 1789, 1830, 1848.” Revolutions in France: 1789, 1830, 1848 - France: Women in the Revolution - Research Guides at Library of Congress, guides.loc.gov/women-in-the-french-revolution/revolutions-rebellions/1789-1830-1848.