What events led Louis-Philippe to abdicate in February 1848?

The abdication of Louis-Philippe in February 1848 was the culmination of long-standing social, economic, and political tensions that undermined his constitutional monarchy.12

Underlying Causes

• Political Discontent: Republicans and urban workers remained alienated, while the bourgeoisie pushed for expanded suffrage, which was consistently blocked by the government.12
• Economic Crisis: A severe crop failure in 1846 triggered an economic downturn, leading to food shortages, business bankruptcies, and rising unemployment.12
• Moral and Intellectual Shift: Government scandals and the vocal opposition of prominent intellectuals further eroded the regime's legitimacy.12

The February Revolution

To bypass bans on public political meetings, the opposition organized a series of "banquets." When the government canceled a planned banquet in Paris for February 22, 1848, protests erupted.12

As riots spread and the loyalty of the National Guard wavered, Louis-Philippe attempted to appease the public by dismissing his chief minister, Guizot. However, a deadly clash between soldiers and demonstrators that evening intensified the unrest. By February 24, with crowds threatening the palace and the threat of civil war looming, the king chose to abdicate in favor of his grandson and fled to England.12