The Young and Weak Minded King

When Louis XVI first came to the throne of France in 1774, France was poverty-stricken and debts were overflowing. Louis XVI entrusted the management of the finances of the kingdom to Turgot, one of the best statesmen. As long as the king followed his minister's advice, the state of the kingdom was improved. Since Louis XVI did not have a strong opinion of his own in any matters, he was repeatedly under the influence of other advisors. He was also swayed by his selfish courtiers, who opposed any financial reforms.  After awhile the persuaded the king to dismiss his minister which he did.

Marie Antoinette 's life at the French court was, like Louis, isolated from the rest of the world. Since they did not pay much attention to their duties, the French Revolution took both Marie Antoinette and Louis by surprise. Although, Marie Antoinette was hated by the Revolutionaries, she really had no part in any of the abuses of the government or the nobility which precipitated the Revolution. Her and Louis' crime presided in that they ignored what went on under their reign.