The Revolution of July 1830 provoked the abdication of the last Bourbon king of France, Charles X. In his place was set King Louis Philippe, a prince of the Orléans family, a cadet branch of the French royal family. Charles had intended that his 10-year-old grandson should replace him, with Louis Philippe as Regent. But the latter, known to be a man of liberal views, was preferred by the new, popularly elected legislature, which offered him the crown. Disregarding his young cousin's claim, Louis Philippe accepted this offer, thus inaugurating the July Monarchy.

The Army was largely unaffected by the advent of the new regime, though a ban on foreign regiments serving in metropolitan France was carried into effect. Also, the white Bourbon regimental colors were replaced by new ones based on the Tricolor, which had been restored as France's national flag. These were of the same size as the previous white colors and were identical for all units of the Army. On the obverse was a dedication to the unit from the King of the French, as Louis Philippe was styled, and on the reverse was the motto HONOR AND COUNTRY. Fanions d'alignement for the infantry were revised to incorporate the Tricolor.

France's intervention in Algeria, begun under the Bourbons, led to the establishment of an Army Of Africa, to whose units many of the soldiers of the disbanded foreign regiments were transferred. Aside from the soon-to-be-legendary Foreign Legion, the Army of Africa included regiments of Zouaves, dressed in colorful uniforms of North African inspiration, and light infantry battalions called tirailleurs (sharpshooters).

1st Battalion

1st Battalion