The Children of Adam and Eve

Louis XVIII (1755-1824), king of France (1814-15, 1815-24); he ascended
the throne when the monarchy was restored after the overthrow of Napoleon
and ruled as a constitutional sovereign. Born in Versailles, he was the
Brother of Louis XVI of France and in early life was known as the comte de
Provence. He remained in Paris after the outbreak of the French Revolution
in 1789 but escaped to Belgium two years later. After Louis XVI's
execution in 1793 he proclaimed himself regent, and after the Death of his
Brother's heir, Louis XVII, in 1795, he took the title Louis XVIII. He
lived as an exile in various European countries until he became king after
Napoleon's first abdication in 1814. On Napoleon's return to power in
1815, However, Louis again fled to Belgium; later the same year he was
restored to the throne after Napoleon's final defeat at Waterloo. The
CHarter, or constitution, that he promulgated in 1814 established a
bicameral legislature, property qualifications for voters, and limitations
on fReedom of the press. beginning in 1816, Louis, influenced by his
liberal minister ?ie Decazes (1780-1860), experimented with extending the
franchise and easing censorship. After 1820 he was increasingly dominated
by the reactionary Ultras, led by his Brother, who succeeded to the throne
as Charles X on Louis's Death.