February 24: King Louis Philippe of France abdicates the throne in 1848. Louis Philipe was last King of France.

France was the first country to experience the Revolution of 1848. The parliamentary opposition begun pressing for modest reforms, which would allow more political and civil liberties in the French population. But the failure to implement reforms was fed up the Parisian crowds.

The French revolution: burning the royal carriages at the Chateau d’Eu, February 24, 1848. (Image courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division [reproduction number, LC-USZC2-2370 (color film copy slide)].)

The monarchy of Louis Philippe was based on the support of the people, for that reason, he was called the "Citizen King". Without such support, the monarchy was pointless. Consequently, the most important effects of the revolution in France were: the completion of the monarchy and the formulation of the question: where emanates power?

1848 revolution in Paris

The so-called "July Monarchy" headed by Luis Felipe and his unpopular minister François Guizot, had notoriously underestimated the people's demands and ignored the initial insurgency.

'Liberty Leading the People, July 28th, 1830': a highly romantic depiction

Furthermore, both authorities despised National Guard, to the point that when the insurrection broke out on February 23, 1848, and members of the National Guard were on the side of the rebels.

Abdication of Louis Philippe, in favor of his grandson, the comte de Paris, dated 24 February 1848

Thus, the Revolution of 1848 confirmed the failure of the French monarchy to address the problems of a changing world that had been demanding justice, equality and freedom of movement emanating from the Enlightenment in the eighteenth century.

King Louis Philippe abdicated to the trone of France and went to exile