Louis XVI, Essay Example

Louis XVI was the king of France in 1754 to 1793. His rule ended in 1793 when he was overthrown an executed. When he took over from his grandfather Louis XV, he was aware of the growing rebellion from the French people against the monarchy. During his reign as the king, he tried to curb the growing rebellion by implementing reform that he viewed were idle to his kingdom. For instance, one of the most significant things that he did was stopping torture on his subjects (Hardman 23). In addition, Louis XVI became more tolerant towards the Jews living in France while serving as a king. Although he introduced the reforms, most nobles became more hostile towards his rule and plotted on ways in which they could overthrow him.

Louis XVI is also significant for actively supporting America achieve its independence from Great Britain (Andress 18). This came into effect in the treaty of Paris. However, his support on the American Revolution also brought about a revolution in his own monarch. The French Revolution occurred in 1789 caused by the financial crisis in France at the time and influence from the American Revolution. One of the biggest significances of Louis XVI is that he was the last King to exist in France (Doyle 28). After his arrest in 1792, France was declared a republic on September 21 1792 after which Louis was found guilty of treason towards the French Republic and was executed. However, Louis XVI will always be remembered as the last king to rule France; his reign was the last monarch that existed in France. Louis XVI was also the only king to be executed in France. Louis XVI signified the end of a monarch rule that had ruled over France for years.

Works cited

Hardman, John. Louis XVI, The Silent King. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. Print

Andress, David. The Terror, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. New York, 2005. Print

Doyle, William. The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press. 2001. Print