French Monarch. He succeeded his grandfather, Louis XV, as King of France on May 10, 1774 at the age of 20. He was married to the Austrian archduchess Marie Antionette in 1770. The couple had four children. Louis was a shy, dull man whose character was not suited to providing the leadership needed to control the complex social and political conflicts raging in France. He much preferred the hunting field to the council chambers, and his indecisiveness made him subject to the poor advice of councilors and family. After ineffectual attempts at fundamental government changes and several unfortunate choices in advisors, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille on July 14, 1789 and marched on Versailles in October of the same year. The royal family attempted to flee France in disguise, but were recognized. To the revolutionary government, this made the king appear guilty of treason. Louis was forced to accept the constitution of 1791 which limited his power. He urged Austria and Prussia to rescue him to no avail. The family was imprisoned in 1792, and Louis was tried and found guilty. He was guillotined on January 21, 1793 to the cheers of the crowd.
French Monarch. He succeeded his grandfather, Louis XV, as King of France on May 10, 1774 at the age of 20. He was married to the Austrian archduchess Marie Antionette in 1770. The couple had four children. Louis was a shy, dull man whose character was not suited to providing the leadership needed to control the complex social and political conflicts raging in France. He much preferred the hunting field to the council chambers, and his indecisiveness made him subject to the poor advice of councilors and family. After ineffectual attempts at fundamental government changes and several unfortunate choices in advisors, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille on July 14, 1789 and marched on Versailles in October of the same year. The royal family attempted to flee France in disguise, but were recognized. To the revolutionary government, this made the king appear guilty of treason. Louis was forced to accept the constitution of 1791 which limited his power. He urged Austria and Prussia to rescue him to no avail. The family was imprisoned in 1792, and Louis was tried and found guilty. He was guillotined on January 21, 1793 to the cheers of the crowd.
Bio by: Kristen Conrad
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