Discuss the reasons for the Bourbon Restoration in France.

Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of why the Bourbons were restored in France. Both Restorations may be discussed; that of 1814 and the second, definitive restoration of Louis XVIII after Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. Some focus could be on explaining the reasons for the end of Napoleon’s rule, such as Allied determination to defeat Napoleon and his loss of support at home after years of warfare. However, the focus should be on why the Bourbons replaced him. Reasons could include Allied support, as they feared another republic, or that the Bourbons were seen as legitimate rulers by the Allies and in many regions and classes within France. Louis XVIII was careful to announce relatively moderate policies such as freedom of religion. The promise of some press freedom and an elected legislature and no restoration of property allowed moderates to be reconciled to a Bourbon Restoration.