DOMESTIC POLICY OF LOUIS PHILIPPE (ORLEANS MONARCHY), 1830 - 1848

 Louis Philippe's government was very unstable from 1830 - 1840. It was 
characterized by revolts, strikes and demonstrations. These were master 
minded by republicans who felt cheated in 1830 since they had played a 
leading role in the revolution of 1830. They had wanted a republican 
government but had failed because of the fear of the possibility of war with 
other monarchial governments in Europe. From 1830-1840, ten different 
chief ministers (prime ministers) held office. Adolph Thiers was the last who 
resigned in 1840 because of dissatisfaction over Mehemet All's affairs. From 
1840 - 1848, Guizot's cabinet held power. His policies greatly contributed to 
the downfall of Louis Philippe in 1848. The following were the achievements, 
failures and weaknesses of Louis Philippe's domestic policies.
Achievements and positive impact of Louis Philippe (Orleans monarchy) in 
France
1. Industrialization
Louis Philippe made commendable progress in the industrialization of
France. His pro-middle class and peaceful foreign policy attracted massive 
investment in the industrial sector from the middle class.
Consequently, new machines were imported from England and new 
industries like wine, steel and cotton ginning were established. Transport 
and communication networks were improved to complement industrial 
progress. Many railway lines including the one from Paris to St.German were 
also constructed to facilitate transportation of raw materials and finished 
products. By 1940, France was the third most industrialized state in Europe. 
Industrialization created more employment opportunities, improved the 
standard of living and promoted other sectors like agriculture, trade and 
transport.
2. Trade
Louis Philippe under took special measures for the progress of trade. A 
network of roads, canals, railways and harbours for docking of ships were 
constructed to promote export trade. He also encouraged a free market 
economy and free trade with the rest of Europe. However, free trade policy 
was dropped when it was realized that the French infant industries could 
not manage to compete with superior British manufactured products. This 
forced Louis Philippe to resort to the policy of protectionism that 
safeguarded infant industries in France and promoted economic 
prosperity.
3. Education
In 1830, a law was passed to regulate education. Primary education was 
entrusted to the church.
However, government control over secondary and higher institutions was 
maintained. It was compulsory to educate children about spiritual and 
social responsibilities. Louis Philippe also encouraged free education and 
children were forbidden from any form of employment to avoid child 
labour. His education policy produced useful citizens who steered the 
socio-economic and political developments of France.
4. Religion.
In the field of religion, Louis Philippe's government followed a policy of 
neutrality. He allowed freedom of worship, which Charles x had 
undermined by making Catholicism a state religion. The Concordat that 
Napoleon had signed with the pope was maintained and the government 
continued to nominate Bishops and pay salaries of the clergy. In 1831, 
Judaism was put on an equal footing with Christianity. The government 
began to pay the salaries of Jewish rabbis just as it paid the protestant 
reverends and catholic priests. This promoted freedom of worship as 
opposed to religious intolerance that was being propped up by the 
restored Bourbons.
5. Constitutionalism
Louis Philippe tried to rule as a constitutional monarch, which Charles x had 
discarded. He rose to power in 1830 through the revised constitution of 
1830. From 1830 up to 1840, Louis Philippe ruled according to the provisions 
of the constitution. This includes fundamental human rights and freedoms 
like freedom of speech, press, worship and association. He was assisted by 
a two chambered parliament i.e. the chambers of peers and deputies. 
These transformed France from absolute monarchy into a constitutional 
monarchy by 1840.
6. Restoration of the National Guard and the tri colour flag
Louis Philippe is credited for the restoration of the National Guard and the 
tri colour flag. The National Guard that had been disbanded by Charles x 
in 1827 was reinstated and reorganized into a disciplined national army. It 
was used to maintain internal stability and protect the territorial integrity of 
France. The revolutionary tri colour flag that Charles x had discarded was 
restored as the national flag. This was recognition of the French 
revolutionary changes, which 'harvested' Louis Philippe support from the 
patriotic Frenchmen.
7. Political freedom
From 1830-1840, Louis Philippe granted political freedom. Many political 
groups surroimded him with varied interests. Such were the Bonapartists, 
republicans, liberals, legitimists and socialists. He allowed them to operate 
and granted political liberties like freedom of association, speech, 
assembly, press etc. He also adopted the policy of Golden Mean in which 
he tried to follow a middle path policy and satisfy all the parties. This 
promoted democracy, fundamental human rights and freedoms like 
freedom of association and press.
8. Financial management
Louis Philippe is on record as the only King in the history of France who was 
most economical with resources. His days in exile and the many years of 
poverty taught him a lesson to avoid extravagancy and luxuries. He 
pursued a non-interventionist foreign policy partly to avoid wasting human 
and financial resources. Similarly, he lived a simple life style like walking in 
the street with no bodyguards and living principally on soup to avoid 
unnecessary expenses. Some historians have argued that Louis Philippe's 
life style was an economic asset to France because it saved French 
resources and enhanced economic progress.
NB: Louis Philippe's simple lifestyle became a political liability to him as it 
reduced his popularity amongst the nobles and clergy who underrated him 
as not worthy to be a king.
9. Consolidation of power
Louis Philippe used repression to consolidate his power against internal 
opposition. There were uprisings, demonstrations and coup attempts 
engineered by internal opposition i.e. the Bonapartists, republicans, liberals, 
Catholics, royalists and socialists. However Louis Philippe consistently used 
the National Guard and the police to suppress any oppositeion activities 
against his government. For instance, from 1830-1835 he quelled down six 
uprisings in Paris, Lyon, Lavandee and Marsailles. Louis Napoleon Ill's 
assassination attempt against Louis Philippe and the coup attempts of 1836 
and 1840 were foiled for which Louis Napoleon was imprisoned. These 
helped to create internal stability that fostered economic development.