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The French 'Charter of 1814' was a constitution granted by King Louis XVIII of France shortly after his restoration. The Congress of Vienna demanded that Louis bring in a constitution of some form before he was restored. It guaranteed many of the rights that most other countries in western Europe had at that time for example " Frenchmen are equal before the law, whatever may be their titles and ranks" as well as "every one may profess his religion with equal freedom, and shall obtain for his worship the same protection". There was however special provision made for the Roman Catholic Church as the official state religion. It ended with the words "Given at Paris, in the year of grace 1814, and of our reign the nineteenth", this would put the reign of Louis XVIII beginning in 1795 after the death of the only son of Louis XVIII's brother Louis XVI.

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Position of the King

See also

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Position of the King

The position of the king was not as central as it had been in the time before the French Revolution, however the ministers were responsible to the king. Also, the king was the head of state, with command of the armed forces vested in him. He also declared war and made peace treaties and appointed all people of public administration. The king alone could propose laws and could send them to either of the two chambers the Chamber of Peers or the Chamber of Deputies however finance bills must be sent to the Chamber of Deputies.

See also

★ Louis XVII of France

★ Louis XVIII of France

★ Charles X of France

★ Congress of Vienna

★ Bourbon Restoration

External links

★ Full Text