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What role did Louis-Philippe play in the French Revolution before becoming king?
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Louis-Philippe
Louis-Philippe, detail of a portrait by F.X. Winterhalter; in the Chateau de Versailles, France.
At the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, Louis-Philippe aligned himself with the progressive nobles who supported the revolutionary government. His involvement included several key roles:1
- Political Affiliation: He became a member of the Jacobin Club in 1790.1
- Military Service: When France went to war with Austria in 1792, he joined the Army of the North. He served with distinction, earning a promotion to brigade commander and serving as a lieutenant general on the staff of Gen. François-Christophe Kellermann.1
- Combat Experience: He participated in significant military engagements, including the Battle of Valmy and the Battle of Jemappes.1
However, his relationship with the Revolution shifted following the defeat at Neerwinden in 1793. He deserted the revolutionary cause alongside Gen. Charles-François du Périer Dumouriez and went into exile in Switzerland, marking the end of his direct participation in the revolutionary movement.1