King Louis XVI
Definition
King 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 King Louis XVI as a captain of a ship who couldn't control his crew. His inability to manage France's financial crisis and refusal to reform led to widespread discontent, just like a mutiny on a ship.
Related terms
Absolute Monarchy: This is a form of government where the monarch has absolute power among his or her people. In this case, King Louis XVI was an absolute monarch at the beginning of his reign.
French Revolution: A period in France from 1789-1799 marked by social and political upheaval, which resulted in the overthrow of King Louis XVI and rise of radical political groups.
Estates-General: The legislative body in France until 1789 representing three estates - clergy, nobility, and commoners. It played a key role in escalating political tensions leading up to French Revolution.
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