Louis Bonaparte

Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (September 2, 1778 - July 25, 1846) was the fifth surviving child and fourth surviving son of Carlo Buonaparte and Letizia Ramolino.

King of Holland

His brother Napoleon made him king of Holland on June 5, 1806. Intended by his older brother as little more than a French governor, Louis took his duties as King seriously, calling himself King Lodewijk I (adopting the Dutch form of his name), attempting to learn the Dutch language and trying hard to be a responsible, independent ruler of Holland.

Related Topics:
Holland - June 5 - 1806 - Dutch language

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During his reign, Holland was struck by two major tragedies: the explosion of a ship filled with gunpowder in the heart of the city of Leiden in 1807, and a major flooding in 1809. In both tragedies, Louis personally and effectively oversaw local relief efforts, which helped earn him the moniker of Louis the Good.

Related Topics:
Leiden - 1807 - 1809

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Napoleon, accusing Louis of putting Dutch interests above those of France, forced him to abdicate on July 1, 1810.

Related Topics:
July 1 - 1810

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Louis Bonaparte had also been created the Count of Saint-Leu. He was created Constable of France in 1808, a strictly honorary title. He was also Grand Duke of Berg and Cleves from 1809 to 1813 under the reign name of Karl Ludwig Napoléon.

Related Topics:
Constable of France - 1808 - Berg - Cleves - 1813

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He died on July 25, 1846, and is buried at Saint-Leu-la-Forêt, Île-de-France.

Related Topics:
July 25 - 1846 - Saint-Leu-la-Forêt - Île-de-France

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