Blackwell Reference Online

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(1754–93), King of France (1774–92) and grandson of Louis xv. Earnest and well-intentioned, Louis lacked the political skills and vision needed to address the regime's financial problems before the french revolution of 1789. He also failed to provide a lead at the estates general held that year where, distracted by the death of his son, he allowed power to slip out of his hands. A believer in traditional forms and duties of monarchism (see also absolutism ), he was never more than half-heartedly supportive of the revolutionary changes, which made the establishment of a constitutional kingship difficult. In this regard, the flight to varennes (June 1791) destroyed the last shreds of his credibility. After the outbreak of the french revolutionary wars in April 1792 Louis and his family were increasingly regarded as traitors. A republic was established in september, and the former monarch was tried and executed on January 21, 1793. ... log in or subscribe to read full text