Prince de Polignac replaces Martignac as French Prime Minister

Political Context. Following the 1827 elections, Charles X appointed Jean-Baptiste de Martignac as a provisional Prime Minister, despite the King's personal dislike for him. Martignac represented a moderate royalist stance during the Bourbon Restoration. However, the King eventually sought a more conservative administration, leading to the dismissal of Martignac in August 1829 and the appointment of Jules de Polignac, an Ultra figure.

Formation of the Ministry. On 5 August 1829, Charles X dismissed Martignac and appointed Jules de Polignac. Polignac was initially named to the ministry of foreign affairs on 8 August 1829. He subsequently became president of the council in November 1829, effectively becoming the most powerful politician in France. This appointment marked a decisive turn toward an Ultra conservative government.

Contemporary Reaction. The appointment of Polignac caused significant discontent among the populace and political factions. The Chateaubriand faction defected from the government in late August 1829, causing Polignac to lose his parliamentary majority. This authoritarian nomination contributed to the unrest that culminated in the July Revolution of 1830, which overthrew the senior line of the House of Bourbon.