Louis XVI
Definition
Louis XVI was the last king of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution. He reigned from 1774 until 1792.
Analogy
Think of Louis XVI as a captain of a ship who doesn't know how to navigate properly. His lack of leadership and decision-making skills led his "ship" (France) into turbulent waters (the French Revolution).
Related terms
Absolute Monarchy: This is a form of government where the monarch has absolute power among his or her people. An absolute monarch wields unrestricted political power over the sovereign state and its people.
French Revolution: A period in France from 1789 to 1799, which resulted in radical social and political upheaval, ending with Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power. It marked the end of absolute monarchy and rise to democracy.
Estates-General: The legislative body in France until 1789, representing three estates - clergy, nobility, and commoners. Louis XVI called them into session for help dealing with financial crisis, leading up to French Revolution.
"Louis XVI" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (10)
- If Louis XVI had accepted constitutional monarchy during French Revolution instead resisting it, how is it most likely to impact France’s political landscape?
- What was a significant impact of Louis XVI’s financial crisis on the French Revolution?
- How might Europe be different today if Louis XVI had successfully reformed France’s financial system and avoided revolution?
- Which critical event resulted from Louis XVI's financial struggles and his inability to effectively rule France?
- How might history have changed if Louis XVI hadn't attempted escape during French Revolution?
- What role did Louis XVI play during the financial crisis in France?
- Which edict issued by Louis XVI granted substantial rights to Protestants in France?
- In what year did Louis XVI call for a meeting of the Estates General, triggering events leading to the French Revolution?
- What year was Louis XVI executed during French Revolution?
- What significant social change did France’s Louis XVI implement during his reign?
Resources
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