Louis XVI of France is executed by the guillotine in Paris, following his conviction for high treason in 1793.
Louis XVI took the throne of France at a bad time. He did not help to make it better. Often he appeared indecisive or took bad advice. It seems like he did not learn to lead as a child. As the third child, they did not realize he would inherit the throne until he turned 11. By that time his shyness and wrong teachings did not help him ascend the throne about a decade later.
While Louis seemed willing to help, he did not know how to help. He did not raise taxes, borrowed money, and helped in the US Revolution. All this combined to bring the country to the brink of bankruptcy. Then the king responded wrongly to the grievances of the people. Things went from bad to worse. In 1792, the people threw the king and his family in prison, while they debated over giving him a trial.
Later in 1792, the trial started. Louis had great men to help him in his defense. Unfortunately, his own testimony proved ineffective and they sentenced him to death. After saying goodbye to his family, Louis went to the guillotine. Keeping himself together, Louis died by the guillotine. His wife, Marie-Antoinette, followed later.
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