Marries Marie Antoinette
Historical person
Louis XVI Biography
Historical biography and chronological timeline for Louis XVI, based on 297 World History Database records associated with France.
Chronological biography
1770
1774
Succeeds as King of France
Louis recalls the Paris Parlement
1775
Famine in Paris, April-May
Fails to escape France in support of the emigres through the north east frontier
Louis XVI failed to escape France in support of the emigres through the north east frontier.
Louis XVI was crowned King of France at Reims Cathedral.
1776
Consigns military aid to the American revolutionaries
1777
France recognizes the Americas independence
France recognizes the Americas independence
1778
France declares war on Britain & sends an army to north America
France declares war against Great Britain
1779
Frankin meets Louis XVI to confirm the French-American Treaty
1781
Louis XVI dismisses his Finance Minister, Neckar
1783
The Treaty of Versailles recognizes the independence of the USA
The Parliament at Besancon demands that the Estates General be convened
1785
An alliance is agreed between France & Holland
An alliance is agreed between France & Holland
1787
An Edict granting religious freedom & legal status to French Protestants
Louis XVI opened the Assembly of Notables to seek support for fiscal reforms intended to address the monarchy's worsening financial crisis.
Louis XVI dismissed Charles Alexandre de Calonne after opposition to the comptroller-general's proposed fiscal reforms intensified.
Louis XVI dismissed the Assembly of Notables after it refused to endorse the government's principal taxation proposals.
Louis XVI ordered the Parlement of Paris into exile at Troyes during the conflict over registering new fiscal measures.
Louis XVI held a royal session of the Parlement of Paris as the crown sought registration of new loans to stabilize state finances.
1788
The Committee of Thirty argued for voting by head and maintained that political sovereignty rested with the people.
The Committee of Thirty pressed the Estates General to adopt voting arrangements that strengthened representation of the Third Estate.
The "Committee of Thirty", argue that ancient precedent is not sufficient, because "the people were sovereign". The "Committee of Thirty", a body of liberal Parisians, began to agitate against voting by estate, composed of the wealthy, argues for the Estates General to assume the voting mechanisms of the Dauphine
The Committee of Thirty argued for voting by head and maintained that political sovereignty rested with the people.
The "Committee of Thirty", argue that ancient precedent is not sufficient, because "the people were sovereign". The "Committee of Thirty", a body of liberal Parisians, began to agitate against voting by estate, composed of the wealthy, argues for the Estates General to assume the voting mechanisms of the Dauphine
The Committee of Thirty pressed the Estates General to adopt voting arrangements that strengthened representation of the Third Estate.
Louis XVI's government imposed judicial reforms that reduced the powers of the parlements, deepening political resistance to royal authority.
Louis XVI announced that the Estates General would be convened in 1789 as the financial and political crisis worsened.
Louis XVI recalled Jacques Necker to the finance ministry as public confidence in the royal government's financial management deteriorated.
Louis XVI restored the Parlement of Paris after the failure of the crown's attempt to impose judicial restructuring.
Louis XVI convened a second Assembly of Notables to consider how the forthcoming Estates General should be constituted.
Louis XVI's council granted the Third Estate twice as many deputies as either privileged order for the forthcoming Estates General.
The King leaves the discussion of the weight of each vote to the Estates General itself
The King leaves the discussion of the weight of each vote to the Estates General itself.
1789
The revolutionary year produces the National Assembly, Tennis Court Oath, Bastille uprising, Declaration of Rights and October march on Versailles.
Strong electoral turnout produces 1,201 delegates, including: "291 nobles, 300 clergy, and 610 members of the 3rd Estate, books of grievances" (cahiers de doleances) are compiled to list problems
Strong electoral turnout produces 1,201 delegates, including: "291 nobles, 300 clergy, and 610 members of the 3rd Estate, books of grievances" (cahiers de doleances) are compiled to list problems.
Elections to the Estates General produced 1,201 delegates, while cahiers de doleances recorded grievances and proposed reforms.
Strong electoral turnout produces 1,201 delegates, including: "291 nobles, 300 clergy, and 610 members of the 3rd Estate, books of grievances" (cahiers de doleances) are compiled to list problems. Elections are held in the spring of 1789; suffrage requirements for the 3rd Estate are for French-born or naturalised males only, at least 25 years of age, who resided where the vote was to take place and who paid taxes
Elections are held in the spring of 1789; suffrage requirements for the 3rd Estate are for French-born or naturalised males only, at least 25 years of age, who resided where the vote was to take place and who paid taxes
Elections are held in the spring of 1789; suffrage requirements for the 3rd Estate are for French-born or naturalised males only, at least 25 years of age, who resided where the vote was to take place and who paid taxes.
Strong electoral turnout produces 1,201 delegates, including: "291 nobles, 300 clergy, and 610 members of the 3rd Estate, books of grievances" (cahiers de doleances) are compiled to list problems.
The French Revolution began in 1789 with the convocation of the Estates General.
The revolutionary year produced the National Assembly, Tennis Court Oath, Bastille uprising, Declaration of Rights and October march on Versailles.
on Versailles.
Elections are held in the spring of 1789; suffrage requirements for the 3rd Estate are for French-born or naturalised males only, at least 25 years of age, who resided where the vote was to take place and who paid taxes
Elections are held in the spring of 1789; suffrage requirements for the 3rd Estate are for French-born or naturalised males only, at least 25 years of age, who resided where the vote was to take place and who paid taxes
Strong electoral turnout produces 1,201 delegates, including: "291 nobles, 300 clergy, and 610 members of the 3rd Estate, books of grievances" (cahiers de doleances) are compiled to list problems.
The Third Estate’s political transformation led to the National Assembly and further revolutionary challenges to royal authority.
on Versailles.
Louis XVI issued regulations governing elections and the preparation of grievance lists for the forthcoming Estates General.
The Estates General opened the revolutionary year that produced the National Assembly, Tennis Court Oath, Bastille uprising and Declaration of Rights.
The Estates General opens the revolutionary process that leads to the National Assembly and the Declaration of Rights.
The French Revolution began in 1789 with the convocation of the Estates General
The Third Estate’s challenge to the old order produced the National Assembly and a sequence of major revolutionary reforms.
Louis XVI took part in the ceremonial procession preceding the formal opening of the Estates General at Versailles.
The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate
The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate.
The 3rd Estate meets for the 1st time since 1614. The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate. The Estates General was organized into three estates, respectively: the clergy, the nobility, and the rest of France
The 3rd Estate meets for the 1st time since 1614. The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate. The Estates General was organized into three estates, respectively: the clergy, the nobility, and the rest of France.
Louis XVI opened the Estates General and called on the assembled deputies to help resolve the kingdom's financial crisis.
The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate
The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate.
The 3rd Estate meets for the 1st time since 1614. The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate
The 3rd Estate meets for the 1st time since 1614. The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate.
The 3rd Estate demands voting by head instead of by Estate
The commoners of the 3rd Estate declare themselves to be the National Assembly
The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly. After its meeting hall was closed, deputies regrouped in the nearby Jeu de Paume.
The commoners of the 3rd Estate declare themselves to be the National Assembly. Closes the 3rd Estates meeting place, they re-group at the Louvre tennis court
The commoners of the 3rd Estate declare themselves to be the National Assembly
The commoners of the 3rd Estate declare themselves to be the National Assembly
The 3rd Estate, led by Honore Gabriel Riqueti, begin to call themselves the National Assembly
The 3rd Estate, led by Honore Gabriel Riqueti, begin to call themselves the National Assembly.
Louis XVI refused to accept the Third Estate's unilateral transformation into a National Assembly.
The commoners of the 3rd Estate declare themselves to be the National Assembly
The Third Estate declared itself the National Assembly. After its meeting hall was closed, deputies regrouped in the nearby Jeu de Paume.
The commoners of the 3rd Estate declare themselves to be the National Assembly. Closes the 3rd Estates meeting place, they re-group at the Louvre tennis court
The 3rd Estate, led by Honore Gabriel Riqueti, begin to call themselves the National Assembly
Louis XVI's authorities closed the National Assembly's usual meeting hall before the royal session, prompting deputies to meet in the tennis court.
Members of the National Assembly swear not to disband until there is a constitution
Members of the National Assembly swear not to disband until there is a constitution
Tennis Court Oath is both a revolutionary act, and an assertion that political authority derived from the people and their representatives rather than from the monarch himself
Tennis Court Oath is both a revolutionary act, and an assertion that political authority derived from the people and their representatives rather than from the monarch himself.
Members of the National Assembly swear not to disband until there is a constitution
Members of the National Assembly swear not to disband until there is a constitution
Members of the National Assembly swear not to disband until there is a constitution
Tennis Court Oath is both a revolutionary act, and an assertion that political authority derived from the people and their representatives rather than from the monarch himself
Tennis Court Oath, pledge signed by 576 out of the 577 members from the 3rd Estate who were locked out of a meeting of the Estates General on 20 June 1789 in a tennis court.
The Tennis Court Oath became a defining act in the Third Estate’s transformation into a national representative body.
on Versailles.
Tennis Court Oath, pledge signed by 576 out of the 577 members from the 3rd Estate who were locked out of a meeting of the Estates General on 20 June 1789 in a tennis court.
The revolutionary year saw the Tennis Court Oath, the Bastille uprising, the Declaration of Rights and the October march on Versailles.
This record states: of the Citizen in August, and a march on Versailles.
The Third Estate's transformation into the National Assembly leads toward constitutional reform and the August Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
Louis XVI declared decisions taken by the self-proclaimed National Assembly invalid during the royal session.
Louis XVI ordered the deputies to leave the hall after the royal session, but the National Assembly refused to disperse.
Louis XVI offered reforms during the royal session while preserving important privileges and the traditional distinction between the three orders.
Louis XVI addressed the deputies in a royal session and attempted to restore separate deliberation by the three orders.
During the mobbing of the Archbishop of Paris the French Guard refuse their duties
During the mobbing of the Archbishop of Paris the French Guard refuse their duties.
During the mobbing of the Archbishop of Paris the French Guard refuse their duties
Louis XVI ordered the remaining clergy and nobility to join the National Assembly, ending separate deliberation by the orders.
The French Guard addresses a crowd at the Palais Royal saying they will not attack
The French Guard addresses a crowd at the Palais Royal saying they will not attack.
The French Guard address a crowd at the Palais Royal saying they will not attack
The French Guard address a crowd at the Palais Royal saying they will not attack.
Louis XVI faced an Assembly that formally declared itself constituent and began drafting a new political order for France.
The National Assembly changes its name to the Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly is recognized by the King.
The National Assembly changes its name to the Constituent Assembly.
Has Neckar dismissed in order to create a stronger Government under Baron de Breteuil
Has Neckar dismissed in order to create a stronger Government under Baron de Breteuil.
A massacre takes place by the Royal-Allemand cavalry on the Place Louis XV
A massacre takes place by the Royal-Allemand cavalry on the Place Louis XV.
Parisians react to the dismissal of Neckar by gathering at the Palais Royal
Parisians react to the dismissal of Neckar by gathering at the Palais Royal.
Louis XVI took place at St Lazre, the crowd steel quantities of grain, flour and wine.
Takes place at St Lazre, the crowd steel quantities of grain, flour & wine
5 out of the 6 battalions had deserted & were prominent in the attack on the Bastille
5 out of the 6 battalions had deserted and were prominent in the attack on the Bastille.
A "citizens militia" overuns the Invalides & takes 32,000 muskets to keep order
A "citizens militia" overuns the Invalides and takes 32,000 muskets to keep order.
The fall of the Bastille is followed by a mass uproar spreading from Paris to the countryside, Noble families are attacked and aristocratic manors are burned to the ground. The Bastille surrenders to the "citizens militia"
A "citizens militia" overuns the Invalides & takes 32,000 muskets to keep order
Louis XVI announced the withdrawal of troops from the Paris region after the fall of the Bastille transformed the political situation.
Forced to reinstate Neckar after the fall of the Bastille
The National Guard is commanded by Lafayette. Announces the creation of the National Guard formed from the "citizens militia"
The National Guard is commanded by Lafayette. Announces the creation of the National Guard formed from the "citizens militia".
Louis XVI visited Paris after the fall of the Bastille and publicly accepted the authority of the new municipal leadership.
Appears at the Hotel de Ville wearing the Red & Blue of Paris & the Bourbon White
Appears at the Hotel de Ville wearing the Red and Blue of Paris and the Bourbon White.
The Assembly begins abolishing feudal privileges on the night of 4 August, clearing the way for a declaration based on legal equality.
In most cases these unruly peasants were responding to rumours that royalist bandits or mercenaries were sweeping the countryside. The weeks of revolt and destruction in rural areas that followed became known as the Great Fear (French, Grande Peur)
In most cases these unruly peasants were responding to rumours that royalist bandits or mercenaries were sweeping the countryside. The weeks of revolt and destruction in rural areas that followed became known as the Great Fear (French, Grande Peur).
In the worst areas peasants assaulted or chased away the owners of seigneurial rights, seized and burned feudal records and even burned down chateaux owned by noblemen.
The Great Fear spread peasant unrest across France and helped drive the Assembly toward the August reforms.
The context for the Assembly'gs August 4th reforms was the Great Fear: a disconnected but widespread series of peasant uprisings across France. From late July thousands of peasants had run amok in the countryside, disrupting work, intimidating property owners and causing some damage.
The National Assembly acclaimed Louis XVI as restorer of French liberty during the night when privilege was dismantled.
Any kind of tithes, as well as any substitution for them are abolished. All seigneurial justices are abolished with no compensation.
Contemporary reports described collapsing tax collection, feudal dues and local authority as unrest spread through parts of France.
It was reportedly prompted by the reading of a report on the misery and disorder which prevailed in the provinces.
Reports from the provinces described attacks on chateaux, convents and farms, reinforcing pressure for the Assembly's August reforms.
Selling judicial and municipal offices is abolished, justice should be dispensed freely & all such magistrates are to do their duty until further instructions from the National Assembly.
Selling judicial and municipal offices is abolished, justice should be dispensed freely and all such magistrates are to do their duty until further instructions from the National Assembly.
The Assembly responded to the crisis by abolishing several long-standing privileges and abuses.
The abolition of the feudal system took place during the famous night session of the National Assembly on August 4th 1789.
The report declares that 'g Letters from all the provinces indicate that property of all kinds is a prey to the most criminal violence. on all sides chateaux are being burned, convents destroyed, and farms abandoned to pillage.
This record states: The taxes, the feudal dues, all are extinct. the laws are without force, and the magistrates without authority." With the hope of pacifying and encouraging the people, the Assembly, in a fervour of enthusiasm and excitement.
This record states: straightway abolished many of the ancient abuses.
The National Assembly abolished the feudal system and judicial privileges, preparing the way for wider constitutional reforms.
The Constituent Assembly granted Louis XVI only a suspensive veto, limiting the king's ability to block ordinary legislation.
Made suspensive by a vote of the National Assembly carried by 673 votes to 352
Made suspensive by a vote of the National Assembly carried by 673 votes to 352.
Made suspensive by a vote of the National Assembly carried by 673 votes to 352
The National cockade is said to have been trampled. Holds a party in Versailles to welcome the Flanders regiment
The National cockade is said to have been trampled. Holds a party in Versailles to welcome the Flanders regiment.
The National Guard arrive to restore order. Louis agrees to be escorted back to the Tuilereies
Crowds of women appear in front of the King who then accepts the August decrees
Crowds of women appear in front of the King who then accepts the August decrees
Armed women invade the Nat Assembly to punish those who trampled the National Cockade
Armed women invade the National Assembly calling for bread
Armed women invade the National Assembly calling for bread
Armed women invade the Nat Assembly to punish those who trampled the National Cockade.
Louis XVI accepts the Declaration of Rights after pressure from the Assembly and crowds gathered at Versailles.
Armed women invade the National Assembly calling for bread.
Louis XVI faced the arrival of large Parisian crowds at Versailles demanding bread and political concessions.
Procession by the market women of Paris to petition the King in Versailles
Procession by the market women of Paris to petition the King in Versailles.
Louis XVI accepted constitutional provisions presented by the Assembly while crowds gathered at Versailles.
The National Guard arrive to restore order. Louis agrees to be escorted back to the Tuilereies.
Crowds of women appear in front of the King who then accepts the August decrees.
Louis XVI left Versailles with the royal family under pressure from the Parisian crowd and National Guard.
Louis XVI was transferred to the Tuileries Palace, placing the monarchy close to the Assembly and under Parisian surveillance.
The evolving constitutional settlement recast Louis XVI as King of the French rather than ruler solely by dynastic right.
Louis XVI faced the Assembly's decision to place church property at the disposal of the nation as revolutionary financial reform accelerated.
Louis XVI issued letters patent giving legal effect to major August decrees that dismantled privileges and feudal institutions.
1790
Louis XVI declared support for constitutional reform and urged unity between the monarchy, the Assembly and the nation.
Louis XVI appeared before the Constituent Assembly and publicly affirmed his intention to support the emerging constitutional order.
The constitutional settlement provided Louis XVI with a civil list to finance the royal household under the new political system.
Louis XVI's monarchy lost the legal framework of hereditary nobility titles when the Assembly abolished them.
Forced to witness the National Assembly abolish the nobility
Forced to witness the National Assembly abolish the nobility.
Forced to witness the National Assembly abolish the nobility
Louis XVI received the Assembly's Civil Constitution of the Clergy, which reorganized the Catholic Church in France.
Leads celebrations & oath taking in memory of the 1st yr of the fall of the Bastille
Leads celebrations and oath taking in memory of the 1st yr of the fall of the Bastille.
Louis XVI swore publicly to uphold the law and the constitutional settlement during the Festival of the Federation.
Louis XVI attended the Festival of the Federation, a national ceremony intended to display unity around the Revolution and constitutional monarchy.
Louis XVI allowed publication of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy despite serious religious and political reservations.
Louis XVI confronted the Assembly's decree requiring clergy to swear loyalty to the constitutional church settlement.
Louis XVI sanctioned legislation requiring constitutional oaths from clergy, deepening the religious division created by revolutionary reforms.
1791
Makes a failed attempt to flee France to support emigres
Makes a failed attempt to flee France to support emigres.
A Parisian crowd prevented Louis XVI and the royal family from leaving the Tuileries for Saint-Cloud, demonstrating the king's limited freedom of movement.
Louis XVI complained to the Assembly after crowds prevented his planned departure for Saint-Cloud.
Before leaving Paris, Louis XVI issued a declaration explaining his grievances against the revolutionary constitutional settlement.
Louis XVI secretly left the Tuileries with his family intending to reach loyal forces near Montmedy.
Louis XVI travelled in disguise during the attempted escape, while the royal party used false identities.
Louis XVI was detained at Varennes after local officials and citizens prevented the royal party from continuing toward Montmedy.
Louis XVI continued eastward through Bondy as the royal party attempted to reach the frontier without detection.
Louis XVI & his family are escorted back to Paris. Louis XVI & his family are arrested during an ill fated escape from France
Louis XVI and his family are escorted back to Paris. Louis XVI and his family are arrested during an ill fated escape from France.
Louis XVI and his family returned to Paris under guard after the failed flight to Varennes.
Louis XVI returned to Paris under armed guard after the failed flight to Varennes.
The Assembly placed Louis XVI under a specially regulated guard at the Tuileries following the failed escape.
The Constituent Assembly suspended Louis XVI from exercising royal functions after his return from Varennes.
Louis XVI was restored to the throne under the Constitution.
Reinstated to the throne of France
Deputies debated whether Louis XVI remained constitutionally inviolable after Varennes, exposing deep disagreement over the future of monarchy.
The Assembly continued Louis XVI's suspension until the completed Constitution could be formally presented to him.
The completed Constitution established the framework within which Louis XVI could resume authority as a constitutional monarch.
Louis XVI formally accepted the Constitution, enabling the restoration of his constitutional executive functions.
Louis XVI accepts the new Constitution
Louis XVI accepts the new Constitution.
Louis XVI swore fidelity to the Constitution and accepted the limited powers of the new constitutional monarchy.
Louis XVI resumed constitutional executive functions after accepting and swearing fidelity to the Constitution.
Louis XVI began relations with the new Legislative Assembly created by the Constitution of 1791.
Louis XVI used his suspensive veto against legislation targeting émigrés, intensifying suspicion of the monarchy's political intentions.
Louis XVI addressed the Legislative Assembly on the émigré threat and warned that continued foreign protection of armed émigrés could lead to conflict.
Louis XVI addressed the Legislative Assembly on the threat posed by émigré forces gathering under protection of German princes.
Vetoes the Legislative Assemblys Decree against priests
Louis XVI vetoed legislation directed against refractory priests, worsening conflict with deputies who viewed clerical resistance as counter-revolutionary.
1792
Vetoes the law regarding emigres, Louis is accused of undermining the Constitution
Vetoes the law regarding emigres, Louis is accused of undermining the Constitution
Louis XVI appointed ministers associated with the Girondins as pressure grew for a more confrontational foreign policy.
The Legislative Assembly declares war on the "King of Bohemia & Hungary"
The Legislative Assembly declares war on the "King of Bohemia and Hungary".
Louis XVI formally proposed war against the King of Bohemia and Hungary, and the Legislative Assembly approved the declaration.
Louis XVI vetoed the decree establishing a camp of twenty thousand provincial fédérés near Paris.
Louis XVI replaced dismissed Girondin ministers with a ministry associated more closely with constitutional monarchists.
Louis XVI refused to sanction legislation providing for the deportation of refractory priests accused of encouraging counter-revolution.
Louis XVI dismissed leading Girondin ministers after disputes over his vetoes and the conduct of revolutionary government.
Vetos the law to dissolve the King's Guard
Vetos the law to dissolve the King's Guard.
Forced to wear the Bonnet Rouge, emblem of the Revolution
Forced to wear the Bonnet Rouge, emblem of the Revolution.
Demonstrators entered the Tuileries on the anniversary of the Tennis Court Oath and demanded changes to royal vetoes and ministers.
Louis XVI took place on the anniversary of the Tennis Court Oath and the Flight to Varennes. Listens to demands for new laws on priests and federes and to recall ministers. Dons the cap of liberty.
Takes place on the anniversary of the Tennis Court Oath & the Flight to Varennes. Listens to demands for new laws on priests & federes & to recall ministers. Dons the cap of liberty
Louis XVI refused to withdraw his constitutional vetoes despite direct pressure from demonstrators inside the Tuileries.
Demonstrators entered the Tuileries and confronted Louis XVI over his vetoes and dismissal of Girondin ministers.
The Brunswick Manifesto threatened Paris if the royal family were harmed, further damaging confidence in Louis XVI.
Louis XVI exercised no effective royal authority after his suspension and imprisonment following the insurrection of 10 August.
Demands for the deposition of Louis XVI intensified as Parisian sections challenged the survival of constitutional monarchy.
Louis XVI sent orders intended to halt continued fighting by the Swiss Guard as the defense of the Tuileries collapsed.
Louis XVI and the royal family left the Tuileries and sought protection inside the Legislative Assembly.
The Legislative Assembly suspended Louis XVI and transferred executive authority to a provisional ministerial council.
Insurrectionary forces attacked the Tuileries, destroying the remaining practical authority of Louis XVI's constitutional monarchy.
Louis is imprisoned in the Temple with his family
Louis is imprisoned in the Temple with his family.
Louis XVI and the royal family were imprisoned in the Temple after the monarchy's suspension.
Verdun is captured by the Austrians
Suspected "traitors" of the Revolution are massacred
Suspected "traitors" of the Revolution are massacred.
The 1st session of the National Convention abolishes the monarchy.
The National Convention abolished royalty in France, formally ending Louis XVI's kingship.
After abolition of the monarchy, revolutionary authorities increasingly referred to the former Louis XVI as Louis Capet.
The 1st session of the National Convention abolishes the monarchy
The 1st session of the National Convention abolishes the monarchy.
1st session of the National Convention abolishes the monarchy
1st session of the National Convention abolishes the monarchy.
Discovery of documents in the Tuileries iron chest strengthened accusations that Louis XVI had secretly dealt with political opponents of the Revolution.
Vetoes the law regarding refractory priests & accused of undermining the constitution
Vetoes the law regarding refractory priests and accused of undermining the constitution.
The National Convention decided that Louis XVI would be tried by the Convention itself.
The Convention received a report setting out accusations against Louis XVI before his formal interrogation.
Louis XVI appeared before the Convention and answered questions concerning the charges brought against him.
Louis XVI requested legal assistance after hearing the charges presented against him by the Convention.
Louis XVI received legal assistance from Malesherbes, Tronchet and de Sèze in preparing his defense.
Addresses the Assembly & says war will be inevitable if the emigres are not dispersed
Louis XVI addressed the Assembly and says war will be inevitable if the emigres are not dispersed.
Louis XVI appeared before the Convention while Raymond de Sèze presented the principal legal defense against the charges.
Louis XVI addressed the Convention after his defense and denied intending to shed the blood of the French people.
1793
Tried & found guilty before the Convention
Tried and found guilty before the Convention.
The Convention rejected a proposal to submit the judgment against Louis XVI to popular ratification.
The Convention voted overwhelmingly that Louis XVI was guilty of conspiracy against public liberty and the security of the state.
Louis XVI was sentenced to death.
Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death
Louis XVI was sentenced to death.
The Convention completed the decisive vote that condemned Louis XVI to death.
The appeal against Louis death sentence is turned down
The appeal against Louis death sentence is turned down.
The appeal against Louis death sentence is turned down
The Convention rejected a proposed delay in carrying out the death sentence imposed on Louis XVI.
Louis XVI met his family for the final time on the evening before his execution.
A Convention delegation informed Louis XVI that his death sentence would be carried out the following day.
After the execution, Louis XVI's remains were buried in the Madeleine Cemetery in Paris.
Louis XVI was sent to the giuillotine in the Place de la Revolution, now the Place de la Concorde.
Sent to the giuillotine in the Place de la Revolution, now the Place de la Concorde
Sent to the giuillotine in the Place de la Revolution, now the Place de la Concorde
Louis XVI attended a final religious service in the Temple before being taken to the place of execution.
Louis XVI was transported under heavy guard from the Temple to the Place de la Revolution.
Titles and roles
Former King · King
Record provenance
This biography is assembled from World History Database records filtered by country and personal-name fields. Exact duplicate display records are removed. The database is an index rather than a complete narrative biography; formal research should verify entries against relevant primary or specialist sources.