French Revolution Essay
The trial and execution of King Louis XVI, or “Louis the Last,” was a major event in the French Revolution. Louis’ monarchy was ended by the revolution on August 10, 1792 when the people stormed the royal palace of the Tuileries after he broke his promises to abide by the new constitution.
The Convention Assembly put the king on trial for treason and he met the guillotine on January 21, 1793. A common historical view of Louis is as a tragic figure or martyr. He is widely remembered as merely a man who arrived at the wrong place at the wrong time. Many overlook the fact that this king committed treasonous acts against the country and people he ruled. Louis XVI was a trader and his punishment was fitting.
Louis Capet ascended the throne at age twenty and ruled France for nearly twenty years. The country was nearly bankrupt when he came to power in 1774. Compounding matters, there was a terrible crop failure in 1778, driving the price of bread and other foods sky-high. Combined with other factors, these events marked the beginning of the French Revolution, and ultimately the demise of the king. It is unquestionable that Louis’ reign came at an inopportune time. Read more…
