Louis XVI

Louis XVI, born in 1754 and died in 1793, was the third son of third son of the dauphin (Louis) and Marie Josèphe of Saxony, grandson and successor of King Louis XV.

He was a shy, dull, awkward, timid, indecisive and corpulent prince who preferred the hunting field and his locksmith's workshop to the council chamber. He often sheltered himself in his activities such as hunting and woodwork. Louis XVI became the King of France at the age of 20. He inherited a realm driven nearly bankrupt through the opulence of his predecessors Louis XIV and Louis XV.

History recorded that Louis XVI was average looking, not so intelligent, and was not concerned with running the country. Like Louis XV, Louis XVI was a weak king. Although he tried, his character was unsuited to provide the leadership needed to control the complex social and political conflict in France.

Louis' Marriage to Marie Antoinette

In 1770 he married the Austrian archduchess Marie Antoinette. He did not have a good relationship with his wife, Marie Antoinette. While, Louis XVI was busy working on his hobbies, Marie Antoinette was out partying and having affairs. Both Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were unprepared to run France. Neither of them paid much attention to their duties as King and Queen. 

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