Louis Philippe II

Revolutionary Aristocrat

A significant political figure during the events of 1789.

Louis Philippe II, known as the Duke of Orléans, was a cousin of King Louis XVI and played an active role during the early stages of the French Revolution. He initially supported the revolutionary movement and advocated for constitutional changes. He became a member of the National Assembly and expressed a commitment to the rights of citizens. His stance on reform and representation contributed to the political landscape of revolutionary France. Over time, he distanced himself from more radical elements, seeking to position himself as a more moderate leader.

Birth Date

13 April 1747

Death Date

6 November 1793

Guillotined, 46 years old

Role

Revolutionary Aristocrat

Occupation

Aristocrat, Politician

Louis Philippe II, also known as Philippe Égalité, was an important figure during the French Revolution. Born on 13 April 1747, he was initially the Duke of Chartres before becoming the Duke of Orléans. His support for revolutionary ideals and his actions during the tumultuous period made him both a notable and controversial character.

He was a member of the affluent House of Orléans, a cadet branch of the Bourbon dynasty. Unlike many of his aristocratic peers, Louis Philippe II embraced the Enlightenment principles and supported reforms. His liberal stance often placed him in conflict with the conservative factions at the royal court. In 1789, he joined the Estates-General as a representative of the nobility. His decision to align himself with the Third Estate was a significant political gesture, highlighting his commitment to democratic reforms.

Louis Philippe II took the name "Philippe Égalité" to showcase his solidarity with the revolutionary cause. He voted for the execution of King Louis XVI in 1793, which was an unprecedented move for someone of royal blood. Despite his contributions to the revolution, his royal lineage and previous affiliations aroused suspicion among the more radical revolutionaries. This suspicion eventually led to his arrest during the Reign of Terror. He was accused of conspiring with foreign powers and was guillotined on 6 November 1793.

The life and death of Louis Philippe II reflect the complex dynamics of loyalty, ambition, and ideology during the French Revolution. His transformation from nobility to revolutionary supporter illustrates the fluid social and political boundaries of the era. While his actions were driven by liberal ideologies, the outcome of his life underscores the inherent risks of navigating the volatile landscape of revolutionary France.

Did you know?

Louis Philippe II, known as Philippe Égalité, was a member of the Orleans branch of the Bourbon family, which made him a cousin to King Louis XVI; this connection ultimately placed him in a complex position during the revolution.
He famously voted for the execution of Louis XVI on 17 January 1793, despite his familial ties, signifying a drastic shift in loyalty that shocked many.
Philippe Égalité was one of the wealthiest men in France at the time of the revolution, but his vast fortune did not shield him from suspicion; revolutionary fervor led to his imprisonment in November 1793, where he faced the guillotine.
He was one of the few nobles who openly supported the revolutionaries, advocating for more republican ideals, which ultimately earned him a place in the political limelight but also left him vulnerable to the revolutionary tribunal.
After the rise of the Directory, Philippe Égalité initially managed to navigate the political landscape until the coup of 18 Fructidor in 1797 led to his political downfall and subsequent execution on 6 November 1793.