Which of the following ministers was more responsible for opposition to the rule of Charles X? (i) Villele (ii) Polignac
The reign of Charles X was marked by significant political instability, culminating in the July Revolution of 1830. The question of which minister, Villele or Polignac, bore greater responsibility for this opposition is a complex one. Both played instrumental roles in fueling discontent and contributing to the king’s downfall. However, while Polignac’s disastrous policies and lack of political acumen directly precipitated the revolution, Villele’s unyielding Ultra-royalist policies and tactics laid the groundwork for years of alienation and resentment that culminated in Charles’s abdication.

Villele's Role in Opposition to Charles X
Villele, an ardent Ultra-royalist, served as Prime Minister from 1822 to 1827. His policies aimed to restore the power of the monarchy and the traditional social order. He sought to reverse the liberal reforms implemented by the Bourbon restoration, particularly those enacted by his predecessor, the Duke de Richelieu. Villele’s policies, including tax increases and the suppression of the press, were widely perceived as regressive and detrimental to the interests of the French people. <p/>

Villele’s overbearing and inflexible approach to governance alienated even his own supporters. He was accused of arrogance and being out of touch with the needs of the people. The dismissal of Chateaubriand, a prominent figure in the Chamber of Peers, further illustrated Villele’s disdain for moderate opinion. Chateaubriand’s influence and popularity proved a significant tool to undermine support for Villele, as he used the Chamber of Peers to criticize the government’s policies. Villele’s forceful approach to politics ultimately galvanized opposition from both the left, who saw him as a threat to their hard-won liberties, and the right, who questioned his effectiveness and felt he was not upholding the true spirit of the monarchy.

Polignac's Role in Opposition to Charles X
Polignac, appointed by Charles X in 1829, was the king’s favored choice. Despite lacking any political experience and possessing a disdain for the Charter (the 1814 constitution), Polignac was seen as a devoted servant to the crown. This disregard for the Charter, a document seen as a symbol of compromise and moderation, raised anxieties among many who believed Charles X was determined to dismantle it and restore absolute monarchy. This suspicion alienated many moderates who had previously supported the king. The appointment of the new Polignac ministry, composed of staunch Ultras, was met with public outrage and widespread condemnation. The Chamber of Deputies, dominated by the opposition, refused to grant the ministry its confidence. This led to the king’s decision to dissolve the Chamber and call for new elections in June/July 1830.

Polignac’s policies in the lead-up to the elections only further inflamed tensions. He implemented restrictive measures aimed at silencing dissent and undermining the opposition. His policies were met with widespread resistance. The elections of June/July 1830 demonstrated the widespread disapproval of Polignac’s administration. The results were a resounding defeat for the Ultras, leading to a near total rejection of the king’s policies. This final blow to Charles X’s authority ultimately precipitated the July Revolution.

Conclusion
While both Villele and Polignac contributed significantly to the opposition that ultimately brought down Charles X, Polignac’s policies directly triggered the July Revolution. His lack of political acumen, his disregard for the Charter, and his inability to command a majority in the Chamber, combined with the king’s own unwavering support for his policies, created an atmosphere ripe for revolution.
Villele’s policies, however, played a critical role in setting the stage for this event. His overly conservative and uncompromising approach to governance during his term alienated a significant portion of the population and created a climate of political instability that Polignac inherited and further exacerbated. While Polignac’s disastrous handling of the situation ultimately led to Charles X’s abdication, Villele’s actions can be seen as laying the groundwork for the revolt.