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Philippe Henri, marquis de Ségur facts for kids

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Maréchal de France
Philippe Henri de Ségur
Marquis de Ségur
Marechal-Philippe-Henri-de-Segur.jpg
Official portrait as Marshal of France by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun in 1789
Marquis of Ségur
In office
19 June 1751 – 3 October 1801
Preceded by Henri François, Comte de Ségur
Succeeded by Louis-Philippe, Marquis de Ségur
Secretary of State for War
In office
23 December 1780 – 27 August 1787
Preceded by Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes
Succeeded by Louis Charles Auguste Le Tonnelier, Baron de Breteuil, Baron de Preuilly
Personal details
Born (1724-01-20)20 January 1724
Paris, Isle-de-France, Kingdom of France
Died 3 August 1801(1801-08-03) (aged 77)
Paris, Seine-et-Marne, French Consulate
Military service
Years of service 1739–1787
Battles/wars Seven Years' War

Philippe Henri, Marquis de Ségur (born January 20, 1724 – died October 3, 1801) was an important French nobleman and military leader. He was a grandson of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. He became a Marshal of France, which is a very high military rank. He also served as the Secretary of State for War, managing the French army under King Louis XV and later King Louis XVI.

Biography of a French Leader

Early Life and Military Start

Philippe Henri de Ségur was born in Paris. His parents were Henri François, comte de Ségur and Philippe Angélique de Froissy. When he was just eighteen, he was put in charge of an infantry regiment (a group of soldiers). He fought alongside his father in Italy and Bohemia.

He was injured during battles. In October 1746, he was wounded at Roucoux in Flanders. The next year, in 1747, he lost an arm at the Lauffeld. In 1748, he took over his father's role as lieutenant-general for the regions of Champagne and Brie. He also became the governor of Foix in 1753.

Serving in Major Wars

Philippe Henri de Ségur played a part in the Seven Years' War. He fought in several important battles, including Hastenbeck (1757), Krefeld (1758), and Minden (1759). In 1760, he was captured during the Kloster Kampen.

Leading the French Army

In 1775, he showed great skill while governing the region of Franche-Comté. This led to his appointment as Minister for War in 1780, working under Jacques Necker.

As War Minister, he made important changes. In 1783, he created the first permanent general staff for the army. He also set up excellent rules for military barracks (where soldiers live) and hospitals. On June 13, 1783, he was promoted to Marshal of France. He left his role as War Minister in 1787.

Later Life

During a difficult time in France called the "Terror," he was put in prison. After he was released, he faced hard times. However, in 1800, he received a pension (regular payment) from Napoleon. He passed away in Paris the following year.

Family Life

Philippe Henri de Ségur married Louise Anne Madeleine de Vernon in Paris on February 3, 1749. They had two sons:

  • Louis Philippe, comte de Ségur (1753–1830): He became a diplomat and a historian.
  • Joseph Alexandre Pierre de Ségur, Viscount of Ségur (1756–1805): He was known as a poet, songwriter, and playwright.

Titles and Special Honors

Philippe Henri de Ségur received the honor of being a Knight of the Holy Spirit on June 7, 1767. This was a very prestigious award in France.

Ordre du Saint-Esprit Chevalier ribbon
The ribbon for the Order of the Holy Spirit.
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