The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte

Bonapartists is a term for supporters of Napoleon III and his family. The term is derived from the name for Napoleon III’s family, the Bonapartes.

Generally, the term “bourgeoisie” refers to the middle class. However, Karl Marx uses it to explicitly refer to those in the middle classes who own their own businesses and are not dependent on a wage from an employer.

The Charter of 1830 is the constitution of France that existed under the monarchy of King Louis-Philippe I. It guaranteed certain rights, like a degree of religious freedom and the freedom of the press.

The Girondists were one of the major political factions that existed after the French Revolution of 1789. They supported abolishing the monarchy and establishing the First Republic, but opposed executing King Louis XVI and other executions.

The Jacobins were a political faction that emerged during the French Revolution of 1789. They supported the execution of King Louis XVI and the persecution and execution of aristocrats, leading to what became known as The Terror.

Named for the fact that it came to power in July of 1830, the July Monarchy was the monarchy established by King Louis-Philippe I after King Charles X was overthrown in a revolution. It pushed relatively progressive reforms, such as extending electoral suffrage and guaranteeing press freedoms. It also enjoyed support from bankers and financiers.

In the Second Republic, the Legitimists were royalists who supported the claims of the Bourbon dynasty to the French throne, specifically “King Henri V.” Marx argues that they represented the economic interests of large landowners.

Lumpenproletariat is Marx’s term for an underclass of the proletariat (urban workers). They consist of criminals, beggars, and the habitually unemployed.

Also known as the Democratic-Socialists, the Montagne was a political party of the Second Republic. Marx explains they represent the interests of the working classes and the petty bourgeoisie.

The Orleanists were supporters of the Orleans family, a branch of the Bourbon dynasty that had ruled France before the overthrow of King Louis XVI in 1792. According to Marx, their cause was backed by bankers.

The Party of Order was the dominant political party throughout the brief history of the Second Republic. Many of its members were royalists who actually wanted to abolish the Second Republic and restore the monarchy.

Proletariat is Marx’s term for urban workers. Marx emphasizes that the proletariat quickly lost their influence over the 1848 revolution to the bourgeoisie.

The Society of December 10th was a group of military officers and lumpenproletariat (see entry below) that supported Louis Napoleon. They were named for December 10, the day Louis Napoleon was elected president.