Louis XVI

Antoine-François Callet - Louis XVI, roi de France et de Navarre (1754-1793), revêtu du grand costume royal en 1779 - Google Art Project

François hubert drouais - duque berry conde provença

Duc de Berry-Borély

Marie Antoinette and her Children by Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun

Louis16-1775

Louis Charles of France5

Louis XVI (23 August 1754 – 21 January 1793) was the last King of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution. He was referred to as Louis Capet during the final four months of his life. In 1774, he succeeded his grandfather Louis XV to the French throne and ruled until 1792, when he was dethroned during the Revolution. His failure to successfully address the financial crisis of the monarchy, his indecisiveness, and conservatism led to a decline in the monarchy's authority and ultimately its downfall.

Early Life

Louis XVI was born Louis-Auguste at the Palace of Versailles. He was the second son of Louis, the Dauphin of France, and his wife, Marie-Josèphe of Saxony. Following the death of his father in 1765, Louis-Auguste became the new Dauphin. Educated under the guidance of the Duc de La Vauguyon, his early education focused on religion and morality, which deeply influenced his character, making him deeply religious and somewhat indecisive.

Reign

Upon the death of his grandfather, Louis XV, in 1774, Louis XVI ascended to the throne. He inherited a kingdom beset with serious debts and facing a growing discontent among its populace due to economic hardship and social inequality. Louis XVI's reign was marked by attempts to reform the French government in accordance with Enlightenment ideals. However, these reforms were often met with resistance from the nobility and other privileged classes.

Financial Crisis

One of the most significant challenges during his reign was the financial crisis, exacerbated by France's involvement in the American Revolutionary War, which drained the already depleted French treasury. Louis XVI appointed several finance ministers, including Turgot, Necker, and Calonne, to propose solutions, but their reforms were either insufficient or met with opposition.

Estates-General of 1789

In a bid to resolve the financial crisis, Louis XVI convened the Estates-General in 1789 for the first time since 1614. The Estates-General, however, quickly spiraled out of his control and led to the formation of the National Assembly by the Third Estate, signaling the start of the French Revolution.

French Revolution

The Revolution radically transformed France, leading to the abolition of the monarchy, the establishment of a republic, and the execution of Louis XVI. Despite initial attempts to work with the Revolutionaries, Louis XVI's reluctance to fully embrace the reforms, his attempted flight to Varennes in 1791, and his perceived collusion with France's enemies led to his increasing unpopularity.

Trial and Execution

Louis XVI was suspended from power in August 1792, imprisoned, and tried by the National Convention in December. He was found guilty of conspiracy and high treason and was executed by guillotine on 21 January 1793.

Legacy

Louis XVI's legacy is complex. He is often criticized for his inability to effectively govern and address the financial and social crises that led to the French Revolution. However, some historians argue that his efforts to reform France were sincere but hampered by the circumstances of his reign and the opposition he faced.

See Also

• Marie Antoinette
• French Revolution
• Estates-General of 1789
• Execution of Louis XVI