Background
King Louis-Philippe ascended to the French throne in 1830 after the July Revolution, which overthrew the Bourbon monarchy. His reign, known as the July Monarchy, was marked by political instability and opposition from various factions, including republicans and nationalists.
Assassination Attempt
As King Louis-Philippe was riding in a royal procession along Boulevard du Temple in Paris, Giuseppe Mario Fieschi and his associates launched an audacious attack. They used a volley gun, an early form of machine gun called the ‘infernal machine,’ to fire upon the king’s entourage. The attack killed 18 people and injured many more, including the king, who sustained minor wounds.
Aftermath
The assassination attempt shocked France and intensified security measures around the king. Remarkably, this was not the only attempt on Louis-Philippe’s life during his reign; he survived a total of seven assassination attempts, reflecting the volatile political climate and opposition to his rule.
Legacy
The July 28th, 1835, assassination attempt underscored the challenges faced by Louis-Philippe’s monarchy and heightened public scrutiny of his policies and leadership. It contributed to ongoing debates about monarchy versus republicanism in France and fueled discontent among various political factions.
Conclusion
It remains a significant date in French history, commemorating the assassination attempt on King Louis-Philippe and its broader implications for political stability and public safety during the July Monarchy. The event serves as a reminder of the complexities of governance and the enduring legacy of political violence in 19th-century Europe.
Sources
Alamy. “King Louis-Philippe Survived an Assassination Attempt.” Alamy, www.alamy.com/stock-photo-on-28-july-1835-king-louis-philippe-survived-an-assassination-attempt-113473923.html.