# Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans

> French duke (1747-1793)

**Wikidata**: [Q311637](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q311637)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Philippe_II,_Duke_of_Orléans)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/louis-philippe-ii-duke-of-orleans

## Summary
Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans (1747–1793), was a French nobleman, politician, and military leader known for his role during the French Revolution. As a member of the House of Bourbon, he initially held high-ranking positions in the French military and government but later embraced revolutionary ideals, adopting the name "Philippe Égalité" to symbolize his support for equality. His political maneuvering and eventual vote for the execution of King Louis XVI marked him as a controversial figure in French history.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 13, 1747
- **Nationality**: French
- **Known for**: French duke, politician, and military personnel during the French Revolution
- **Field(s)**: Politics, military, freemasonry
- **Aliases**: Philippe Égalité, Philippe, duc d' Orléans, Louis-Philippe d'Orléans, Louis Philippe Joseph, duc d' Orléans, duc d'Orléans Louis Philippe Joseph, Louis Philippe Joseph, duc D'Orléans, Louis Philippe Joseph d'Orléans, duc de Chartres, Louis-Philippe-Joseph d' Orléans, Louis Philippe Joseph, duc d'Orléans, Philippe Egalité

## Contributions
Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, played a significant role in French politics and military affairs. He was a member of the French nobility and held various military ranks, including admiral. His political activities during the French Revolution were notable, as he aligned himself with revolutionary ideals and adopted the name "Philippe Égalité." He was also involved in freemasonry, a fraternal organization that played a role in the social and political landscape of the time. His contributions include:
- **Military Service**: Held high-ranking positions in the French military.
- **Political Role**: Actively participated in the French Revolution, adopting the name "Philippe Égalité."
- **Freemasonry**: Involved in fraternal organizations that influenced social and political thought.

## FAQs
**Who was Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans?**
Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, was a French nobleman, politician, and military leader known for his role during the French Revolution. He adopted the name "Philippe Égalité" to symbolize his support for revolutionary ideals.

**What was Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans known for?**
He was known for his political maneuvering during the French Revolution, his military service, and his involvement in freemasonry. His vote for the execution of King Louis XVI marked him as a controversial figure.

**What were the aliases of Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans?**
He was also known as Philippe Égalité, Philippe, duc d' Orléans, Louis-Philippe d'Orléans, Louis Philippe Joseph, duc d' Orléans, duc d'Orléans Louis Philippe Joseph, Louis Philippe Joseph, duc D'Orléans, Louis Philippe Joseph d'Orléans, duc de Chartres, Louis-Philippe-Joseph d' Orléans, Louis Philippe Joseph, duc d'Orléans, and Philippe Egalité.

**What was the role of Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans in the French Revolution?**
He played a significant role in the French Revolution by aligning himself with revolutionary ideals and adopting the name "Philippe Égalité." His political activities and vote for the execution of King Louis XVI were notable.

## Why They Matter
Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, matters because of his significant role in the French Revolution and his influence on French politics and military affairs. His adoption of the name "Philippe Égalité" symbolized his support for revolutionary ideals and marked him as a key figure in the movement. His political maneuvering and eventual vote for the execution of King Louis XVI had lasting impacts on French history and the course of the Revolution.

## Notable For
- **French Duke**: Held the title of Duke of Orléans.
- **Politician**: Played a significant role in French politics during the French Revolution.
- **Military Personnel**: Held high-ranking positions in the French military.
- **Freemasonry**: Involved in fraternal organizations that influenced social and political thought.
- **Philippe Égalité**: Adopted this name to symbolize his support for revolutionary ideals.

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, was born on April 13, 1747, into the House of Bourbon, one of the most prominent noble families in France. His early life was marked by his noble status and the privileges that came with it. He received an education befitting his rank, which included training in military and political affairs.

### Military Career
Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, had a distinguished military career. He held high-ranking positions in the French military, including the rank of admiral. His military service was marked by his leadership and strategic acumen, which earned him respect and recognition within the military establishment.

### Political Role During the French Revolution
During the French Revolution, Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, played a significant role in French politics. He aligned himself with revolutionary ideals and adopted the name "Philippe Égalité" to symbolize his support for equality. His political activities during this period were notable, as he actively participated in the revolutionary movement and advocated for significant political and social changes.

### Involvement in Freemasonry
Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, was also involved in freemasonry, a fraternal organization that played a role in the social and political landscape of the time. His involvement in freemasonry reflected his interest in the ideals of equality, brotherhood, and social reform, which were central to the revolutionary movement.

### Controversial Actions and Legacy
One of the most controversial actions of Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, was his vote for the execution of King Louis XVI. This decision marked him as a key figure in the French Revolution and had lasting impacts on French history. His political maneuvering and support for revolutionary ideals made him a significant figure in the movement, but his actions also made him a controversial figure.

### Personal Life and Death
Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, led a life marked by his noble status, military service, and political activities. He was known for his support of revolutionary ideals and his involvement in freemasonry. He died on November 6, 1793, during the French Revolution, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to be studied and debated by historians.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, is remembered for his significant role in the French Revolution and his influence on French politics and military affairs. His adoption of the name "Philippe Égalité" symbolized his support for revolutionary ideals and marked him as a key figure in the movement. His political maneuvering and eventual vote for the execution of King Louis XVI had lasting impacts on French history and the course of the Revolution. His involvement in freemasonry and his military service further highlight his multifaceted role in French society during a pivotal period in history.

## References

1. Catalog of the German National Library
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Union List of Artist Names. 2020
5. The Peerage
6. Genealogics
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. CiNii Research
10. Sycomore
11. SNAC
12. RKDartists
13. Find a Grave
14. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. Czech National Authority Database
17. Sejm-Wielki.pl