Victor François de Broglie, 2nd Duke of Broglie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Victor François de Broglie
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| Born | 19 October 1718 Paris, Kingdom of France |
| Died | 30 March 1804 (aged 85) Münster |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of France |
| Service/ |
 French Army |
| Years of service | fl. 1734–1792 |
| Rank | Marshal of France |
| Battles/wars | War of the Austrian Succession Seven Years' War American Revolutionary War French Revolutionary Wars |
Victor François de Broglie (born October 19, 1718 – died March 30, 1804) was a French nobleman and a skilled soldier. He became a Marshal of France, which is a very high military rank. He followed in his father's footsteps, serving in the French army from a young age.
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Who Was Victor François de Broglie?
Victor François de Broglie was born into a noble family in Paris, France. His father, François-Marie, was also a famous general. Victor François began his military career early, fighting alongside his father in battles like Parma and Guastalla. By 1734, when he was just 16, he had already become a colonel.
Early Military Career and Promotions
Victor François de Broglie gained valuable experience in the War of the Austrian Succession. In 1742, he helped storm the city of Prague. This brave act earned him a promotion to brigadier. He continued to serve on the Rhine river in 1744 and 1745.
In 1745, his father passed away. Victor François then inherited his father's title, becoming the 2nd duc de Broglie. He was promoted again to Maréchal de Camp. He fought in the Low Countries with Marshal de Saxe. He was present at important battles like Roucoux, Val, and the Siege of Maastricht. After the war ended, he became a lieutenant-general.
Victor de Broglie in the Seven Years' War
The Seven Years' War was a major global conflict. Victor François de Broglie played a significant role in it. He served under several commanders, including Louis Charles César Le Tellier, duc d'Estrées and Charles de Rohan, prince de Soubise. He was involved in many key battles, starting with Hastenbeck.
Achieving Marshal Rank
In 1759, Victor François de Broglie achieved a great victory. He defeated Prince Ferdinand at the Battle of Bergen. This important win earned him the highest military rank in France: marshal of France. King Louis XV himself gave him this honor. He also received the title of Prince of the Holy Roman Empire from Holy Roman Emperor Francis I.
Later Battles and Challenges
After his victory at Bergen, he captured the city of Minden. He later fought in the Battle of Minden under General Contades. Victor François de Broglie then took over command from Contades. In 1760, he won another battle at Korbach. However, he faced a defeat at Villinghausen in 1761.
Return to Service and the French Revolution
After the Seven Years' War, Victor François de Broglie was out of favor with the French court. He was not given active military duties for many years. However, in 1778, he was called back to serve. France decided to help the Thirteen Colonies in the American War of Independence. Broglie was put in charge of the troops meant to fight against Great Britain.
Role in the French Revolution
Victor François de Broglie was a strong opponent of the French Revolution. In July 1789, he commanded troops at Versailles. He briefly served as King Louis XVI's minister of war. However, as the Revolution grew, he had to flee France. He became an émigré, meaning someone who leaves their country for political reasons. For a short time in 1792, he commanded the Army of the Princes. This army was made up of French nobles who had left France and wanted to restore the monarchy.
Family and Legacy
Victor François de Broglie's eldest son, Charles-Louis-Victor, also known as the prince de Broglie, died during the Reign of Terror. This was a very violent period of the French Revolution. Because of this, the title of Duke of Broglie passed to Victor François's grandson, who became the third duc de Broglie. Victor François de Broglie himself died in Münster in 1804.
Children of Victor François de Broglie
- Charles-Louis-Victor, prince de Broglie
- Bishop Maurice-Jean de Broglie
See also
