The Journalists and the July Revolution in France : the Role of the Political Press in the Overthrow of the Bourbon Restoration, 1827-1830

The "July Revolution" of 1830 in France overthrew the King, brought down the Bourbon dynasty, and ended the fifteen-year era known as the Restoration. lt established the "July Monarchy" of Louis-Philippe, citizen­ King of the Hause of Orleans, a regime also destined for extinction eighteen years later. Although the 1848 revolt is of somewhat greater domestic political importance and considerably greater in its European scope and its social implications, the July Revolution of 1830 should not be relegated to the lower Ievels of historical consciousness. Yet, in modern times, even in France, relatively few works have been published concerning either the Restoration or the revolution which terminated it. New interpretations, such as the excellent works of Bertier de Sauvigny and David Pinkney have awakened the enthusiasm of scholars; but in general, the intrinsic importance of this period has been slighted for nearly a century. There are reasons for this inattention: At first glance, the era seems retrograde, born of a conservative reaction; and placid - it falls between Napoleon's giant earthquake on one side, and on the other, the dynamics of European nationalism, imperialism, and the class struggle. But the Restoration was neither archaic nor calm. lt was, for all its manifest anachronisms, an age of rapid political, cultural, and social growth. France, during these years, was maturing and ripening toward nationhood - and toward the collision of many complex forces, culminating in revolution. Front Matter....Pages I-IX Introduction Journalism in the Reign of Charles X: The Social and Political Setting....Pages 1-8 Liberty of the Press in the Restoration....Pages 9-16 Parisian Journals and Journalists in the Late Restoration....Pages 17-35 Political Journalism in the fall of the Villèle Ministry, 1827–1828: A Preview of Revolution....Pages 36-45 Political Journalism and the Martignac Ministry: The Failure of Conciliation, 1828–1829....Pages 46-73 The Political Press and the Parti-Prêtre : The Anticlerical Campaign of 1828–1829....Pages 74-88 The Press in the Crisis of August 8, 1829....Pages 89-105 The New Militant Press....Pages 106-123 Legal Resistance: The “Breton Association” and the Press....Pages 124-138 Winter Quarters: November, 1829 February, 1830....Pages 139-151 The Press and the “221”....Pages 152-169 Judicial Ordeals, February-March 1830....Pages 170-185 “The King will not Yield”....Pages 186-207 “It is Life or Death”....Pages 208-219 The Journalists in the Trois Glorieuses ....Pages 220-243 The Revolutionary Influence of Journalism....Pages 244-259 Back Matter....Pages 260-283