King Louis XVI was in power during one of the most intense and game-changing chapters in French history: the French Revolution.
He may have been born to rule, but his time as king didn’t win him much love.
The French were struggling with unfair systems, massive debt, and not enough food. Instead of fixing things, his decisions made things harder.
Feudalism existed during the time of King Louis XVI, but it was weakening and became a major cause of resentment.
He also didn’t have the strength to face everyone’s rising frustration. It cost him not only his crown but also his life.
This is why he is remembered as the monarch whom the French hated.
King Louis XVI Was Born in 1754
King Louis XVI was born on August 23, 1754, in the Palace of Versailles, one of the most luxurious royal residences in Europe.
He was not the direct heir to the throne at first because his father and older brothers stood before him in line.
However, through a series of deaths in the royal family, he eventually became the Dauphin of France, meaning the heir apparent.
He was described as quiet, awkward, and more interested in locksmithing and hunting than in politics. This proved damaging when he became king.
King Louis XVI Was the King of France During the French Revolution
King Louis XVI became king at 20 years old when his grandfather, King Louis XV, died in 1774, when France was suffering an economic crisis.
These economic pressures were major contributors to the French Revolution.
The French Revolution was an uprising where ordinary citizens overthrew the monarchy and reshaped France into a republic.
Unfortunately, his indecision, resistance to reform, and failed escape attempt made him appear out of touch and resistant to change.
He was eventually arrested, tried for treason, and executed in 1793.
Married to Queen Marie Antoinette of Austria
King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette married in 1770 at ages 15 and 14, respectively, to strengthen the Franco-Austrian alliance.
Initially, Marie Antoinette was admired for her beauty and charm.
But the French later turned against her due to her foreign origins and her disconnection from the hardships of ordinary people.
Why the French Turned Against King Louis XVI
There were many reasons why the French people turned against King Louis XVI, and they built up over time.
France Suffered a Financial Crisis When It Supported the American Revolution
King Louis XVI supported the American Revolution against Britain in the late 1770s, even though France couldn’t afford it.
It already had massive debts from previous wars, but he still decided to pour even more money into fighting overseas.
The French were forced to pay higher taxes to cover the losses.
Market Prices Soared Because King Louis XVI Refused to Fix the Crisis
While people all over France were starving, King Louis XVI was slow to act.
He kept going back and forth, listening to advisors who couldn’t even agree among themselves. He was indecisive himself.
Meanwhile, the royal family was still living it up at Versailles, throwing fancy parties and spending on luxuries like nothing was wrong.
The royal family enjoyed lavish banquets, ornate fashion, and endless entertainment, while most ordinary French people struggled with hunger, high taxes, and inequality.
Many felt like he had turned his back on them when they needed him most.
King Louis XVI Tried to Flee France When the French Revolution Intensified
As the French Revolution grew stronger, King Louis XVI felt trapped. He attempted to flee France in 1791, known as the Flight to Varennes.
He believed that if he could escape Paris and reach loyal supporters near the border, he could regain control of the situation.
But his plan failed miserably. He and his family were recognized in Varennes and brought back to Paris as prisoners.
The French saw it as proof that he didn’t care about them or about France; he only cared about keeping his throne.
The French Became Angry When King Louis XVI Resisted Any Reform
The French Revolution began with calls for moderate changes, like fairer taxes, equal rights, and a say in government decisions.
King Louis XVI pretended to agree while trying to block or weaken them.
He was unwilling to give up absolute power, even when it was clear that the monarchy could no longer continue as it was.
King Louis XVI Was Executed in 1793
King Louis XVI was charged with treason against the French, and the evidence included his attempt to flee and his secret dealings with foreign powers.
On January 21, 1793, he was executed by guillotine in Paris. Thousands of people gathered to witness it, and many celebrated it as the end of tyranny.
He was not evil by nature, but he was just not cut out to lead during such a turbulent time in France.
His poor leadership and refusal to change with the times ended up making him one of the most disliked kings in history.
