Louis XVI of France

Reign: 1774 – 1791
Life: 1754–1793

The son of Louis, Dauphin of France (son and heir apparent of King Louis XV), and Maria Josepha of Saxony, Louis became the new Dauphin when his father died in 1765. The first part of Louis XVI's reign was marked by attempts to reform the French government in accordance with Enlightenment ideas. These included efforts to increase tolerance toward non-Catholics as well as abolishing the death penalty for deserters. The French nobility reacted to the proposed reforms with hostility, and successfully opposed their implementation.

During Louis XVI of France's reign, George III of Great Britain ruled Great Britain, Catherine II of Russia ruled Russia, and Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor ruled Holy Roman Empire.

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Louis XVI by John Hardman

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Louis XVI

John Hardman

Hardman's careful biography of the king who lost his throne and his head to revolution.

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