Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette Ascend to the Throne

May 10th, 1774

May 10th, 1774

Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette Ascend to the Throne
How Long Ago?

250 years, 10 months, 5 days ago

Location

Reims, France

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Louis XV
  • Louis XVI
  • Marie Antoinette
Links & References
Tags

Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette Ascend to the Throne

Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette became King and Queen of France following the death of King Louis XV. They were crowned at Reims Cathedral, celebrated with opulent ceremonies that reflected the monarchy's strength. This transition marked the youth of the new royals, who were tasked with addressing France's financial crises and increasing public unrest.

Louis XVI was only 20 years old at ascension.

Marie Antoinette was of Austrian descent.

Coronation took place at Reims Cathedral.

They faced immediate financial challenges.

What Happened?

Louis XVI was born on August 23, 1754, and became King of France on May 10, 1774, following the death of his grandfather, King Louis XV. At just 20 years old, he was relatively inexperienced in governance, having spent his formative years raised under the shadow of a powerful grandfather. His wife, Marie Antoinette, was born on November 2, 1755, in Vienna, and was the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Francis I and Empress Maria Theresa. She married Louis XVI in 1770 as part of a diplomatic alliance between France and Austria. Upon the death of Louis XV, the royal couple's ascension was marked with ceremonial grandeur at the Reims Cathedral, where the traditional coronation rituals took place, underscoring their royal legitimacy. The ceremony included extravagant displays of wealth, such as fine robes and gold crown jewels, meant to impress the attending nobility and reaffirm the monarchy's divine right to rule.

Despite the lavish celebrations, the new king faced significant challenges as he inherited a state burdened with debt from prior wars and extravagant spending. Reforms were necessary, yet Louis XVI’s initial reluctance to address these fiscal issues would lead to widespread dissatisfaction among the populace. Meanwhile, Marie Antoinette faced criticism for her perceived extravagance, earning her a reputation that would follow her throughout her life. Together, they would navigate a tense political landscape, setting the stage for the eventual upheaval that would characterize their reign.

Why Does it Matter?

The ascension of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette is interesting as it heralded the beginning of a tumultuous chapter in French history. Their youth and inexperience, coupled with immense financial strain, set the backdrop for significant sociopolitical shifts. The discontent brewing among the populace ultimately contributed to the events of the French Revolution. Their reign symbolized the opulence of the Bourbon monarchy and marked a turning point that led to radical change in France and beyond.

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