Description

By 1812, France dominated most of Europe under the leadership of Napoleon. Soon after, he lost many of his political supporters and abdicated the throne in April 1814. The following year, Louis XVI’s brother returned from Brussels to rule as King Louis XVIII. When Napoleon regained control of France, it became known as the Hundred Days. Louis XVIII fled to Belgium during this time and returned to France after the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. He then established a constitutional monarchy, but after 1820 he was increasingly dominated by the ultraroyalists. After Louis XVII’sI death in 1824, his younger brother, Charles X, the favorite of the ultraroyalists, ascended the throne. The French Louis XVIII 20 Franc coin comes from a great historic time period. It depicts one of the great leaders of the early 19th century.

Historical Events

1814 – Napoleon loses throne and Louis XVIII becomes king.

1815 – The Battle of Waterloo.

1816 – Mary Shelly begins Frankenstein.

1817 – Allegra Byron born to Byron and Claire Clairmont.

1818 – Thomas Blundell makes attempt at blood transfusion.

1819 – Oersted publishes book on electricity and magnetism.