The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte

Marx describes the monarchy of King Louis-Philippe as supported by the bourgeoisie (by which Marx means people who own and manage businesses), lawyers, writers, and officials (20). The monarchy and the bourgeoisie as a whole opposed the “aristocracy of finance” (20), referring to bankers and financers. They all shared a hatred of socialism and a support for protection. However, they resented the influence bankers had over Louis-Philippe’s government. This resentment was especially felt by the petty bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The February Revolution against Louis-Philippe was achieved by the proletariat. However, Marx argues that it was the bourgeoisie who took over the government and that, in the end, the February Revolution became “counter-revolutionary” (22).

In the period of the constitution of the republic, a new constitution was drafted. Marx views it as simply a revision of the earlier guarantee of rights, the Charter of 1830. The new constitution granted the right to vote to all male citizens, the freedom of the press, and the right of assembly, among others. However, Marx notes these rights were limited by “the public safety,” which Marx argues actually refers to “the safety of the bourgeoisie” (22-23).