Marie Antoinette
Queen of France, wife of Louis XVI, during the tumultuous French Revolution.
Chronology: 1755-11-02 – 1793-10-16
Origins & Early Life
Marie Antoinette (Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna; 2 November 1755 – 16 October 1793) was Queen of France as the wife of Louis XVI from 10 May 1774 until the abolition of the French monarchy in 1792 during the French Revolution. Born in November 1755 at the Hofburg in Vienna, Marie Antoinette was the fifteenth child and youngest daughter of Emperor Francis I and Empress Maria Theresa. By right of her birth, she was an Austrian archduchess of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine. In 1769, Marie Antoinette was betrothed to Louis-Auguste, Dauphin of France, in order to strengthen the Franco–Austrian alliance.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
The two were married in 1770, thus making Marie Antoinette dauphine of France at the age of fourteen. In 1774, Louis-Auguste inherited the French throne as Louis XVI, becoming king of France, and Marie Antoinette queen consort. As queen, Marie Antoinette became increasingly a target of criticism by opponents of the domestic and foreign policies of Louis XVI and those opposed to the monarchy in general. The French libelles accused her of being profligate, promiscuous, having illegitimate children, and harboring sympathies for France's perceived enemies, including her native Austria. She was...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia