Louis Philippe

Quick Facts: Who was Louis Philippe?

Subject:

Louis Philippe

Known for:

The Citizen King, last French monarch to bear the title 'King' before the Republic.

Born:

1773-10-06

Died:

1850-08-26

Century / Era:

1773s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Louis Philippe I (6 October 1773 – 26 August 1850), nicknamed the Citizen King, was King of the French from 1830 to 1848, the penultimate monarch of France, the last French monarch to bear the title "King", and the only French monarch to descend from the Orléans branch of the Bourbon family. He abdicated from his throne during the French Revolution of 1848, which led to the foundation of the French Second Republic. Louis Philippe was the eldest son of Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans (later known as Philippe Égalité). As Duke of Chartres, the younger Louis Philippe distinguished himself commanding troops during the French Revolutionary Wars and was promoted to lieutenant general by the age of 19, but broke with the First French Republic over its decision to execute King Louis XVI. He fled to Switzerland in 1793 after being connected with a plot to restore France's monarchy.

Career & Major Achievements

His father fell under suspicion and was executed during the Reign of Terror. Louis Philippe remained in exile for 21 years until the Bourbon Restoration. He was proclaimed king in 1830 after his distant cousin Charles X was forced to abdicate by the July Revolution. The reign of Louis Philippe is known as the July Monarchy and was dominated by wealthy industrialists and bankers. During the 1840–1848 period, he followed conservative policies, especially under the influence of French statesman François Guizot.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He also promoted friendship with the United Kingdom and sponsored colonial expansion, notably the French conquest of Algeria. His popularity faded as economic conditions in France deteriorated in 1847, and he was forced to abdicate after the outbreak of the French Revolution of 1848. Louis Philippe lived for the remainder of his life in exile in the United Kingdom. Among supporters of royalism in France, his supporters are known as Orléanists. Among his grandchildren were King Leopold II of Belgium, Empress Carlota of Mexico, Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria, and Queen Mercedes of Spain.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1773 (1773-10-06): Birth of Louis Philippe — The Citizen King, last French monarch to bear the title 'King' before the Republic.
2. 1793: 1793 Milestone — He fled to Switzerland in 1793 after being connected with a plot to restore France's monarchy.
3. 1830: 1830 Milestone — He was proclaimed king in 1830 after his distant cousin Charles X was forced to abdicate by the July Revolution.
4. 1840: 1840 Milestone — During the 1840–1848 period, he followed conservative policies, especially under the influence of French statesman François Guizot.
5. 1847: 1847 Milestone — His popularity faded as economic conditions in France deteriorated in 1847, and he was forced to abdicate after the outbreak of the French Revolution of 1848.
6. 1848: 1848 Milestone — He abdicated from his throne during the French Revolution of 1848, which led to the foundation of the French Second Republic.
7. 1850 (1850-08-26): Passing & Historical Legacy — Louis Philippe passed away on 1850-08-26, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Louis Philippe

True or False: “Louis Philippe was the first French monarch to rule after the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Bourbon Restoration saw Louis XVIII and Charles X reign before Louis Philippe became king in 1830.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Louis Philippe