Louis XVI

Louis XVI was the last king of France before the French Revolution overthrew the monarchy.

Louis XVI was the last king of France before the French Revolution overthrew the monarchy. He reigned from 1774 until the monarchy was abolished in 1792 and was executed by guillotine in Paris in 1793. His reign is closely associated with France’s financial crisis, the outbreak of the revolution, and the end of the Bourbon monarchy.

Early life and accession

Louis-Auguste was born at Versailles in 1754 and was a grandson of Louis XV. He became king in 1774 and initially inherited a kingdom facing major financial and political problems.

Reign

Louis XVI ruled during a period of severe fiscal strain and growing social unrest. His reign became closely tied to the outbreak of the French Revolution and the weakening of royal authority.

French Revolution and abolition of the monarchy

The monarchy was abolished in September 1792 after revolutionary upheaval. Louis was tried for treason by the National Convention and executed by guillotine in January 1793.

Legacy

Louis XVI is remembered as the last Bourbon king of France before the revolutionary era replaced the monarchy with a republic. His death marked the end of centuries of continuous French monarchy.