Ultras

The term *Ultras* refers to the ultra-royalists who emerged during the French Revolution and participated significantly in subsequent political landscapes. Their allegiance was primarily towards the monarchy and the old regime's tenets, deeply opposing revolutionary changes. Their presence and influence became more pronounced during the Bourbon Restoration (1814-1830), a period in which monarchy was temporarily reinstated in France following Napoleon Bonaparte's fall.

Ultras were characterized by their vehement advocacy for total monarchical authority and their repudiation of the liberal policies and institutions established during the Revolution. They staunchly defended the legitimacy of the Bourbon dynasty (which included Louis XVIII and Charles X) and viewed the Revolution's principles as threats to France's social and political order. The Ultras supported a return to pre-revolutionary aristocratic privileges and were generally antagonistic towards both moderate royalists and more progressive factions.

During the Revolution, the Ultras formed part of the counter-revolutionary forces aiming to quash revolutionary developments. Their actions included participating in political debates, attempting to rally support for the monarchy, and sometimes engaging in conspiracies against revolutionary leaders. They were particularly active after the Thermidorian Reaction (27 July 1794), seizing opportunities to influence political strife and prop up anti-revolutionary sentiments.

With the Bourbon Restoration, Ultras managed to secure critical posts within the government and society. Their influence culminated during Charles X's reign, where reactionary policies were implemented (such as the Law of Sacrilege and the Law of Indemnity). However, their rigid stance and opposition to liberal policies eventually fueled discontent, leading to the July Revolution of 1830 which once again toppled the Bourbon monarchy, replacing it with the more liberal Orleans monarchy.

The Ultras' historical significance lies in their persistent assertions throughout the upheavals of 19th-century France. Their opposition to the Revolution's legacies and desire for reestablishing monarchical power demonstrated the enduring ideological conflicts that shaped the period. The term Ultra hence becomes synonymous with extreme conservatism in the face of modern political evolutions occurring in France post-1789.

• The term "ultras" during the time of the French Revolution referred to a radical faction that supported the restoration of the monarchy, in contrast to the more moderate royalists.
• Ultras were particularly vocal during the period of the Restoration (1814-1830), exhibiting staunch royalist views that echoed the sentiments of the émigrés who had fled during the Revolution.
• The ultras were not simply monarchists; they harbored a deep disdain for the liberal ideas that spread during the Revolution, advocating for an absolutist regime instead.
• Interestingly, the ultras often found their strongest support among former members of the aristocracy who had lost significant power and privilege during the revolutionary years.
• Prominent figures among the ultras included the Duke of Richelieu and the Comte de Villèle, who sought to counter the liberal forces of their time and reinforce traditional authority.
• The ultra-royalists' influence was perceived as a threat by liberals and republicans, leading to a polarized political climate that echoed themes from the earlier revolutionary struggles.