Marie Antoinette

Description: (Former Queen Consort of France (1774 - 1792))

Marie Antoinette was the queen of France and Navarre from 1774 to 1792. She is considered a major historical figure and is often associated with provoking the French Revolution. Born as the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Francis I and Empress Maria Theresa, Marie was married to Louis-Auguste, who became Louis XVI of France in 1774. Upon her marriage, she became the Dauphine of France and was later conferred the title "Queen of France and Navarre" when her husband ascended the throne. Initially, the French people adored Marie Antoinette for her beauty and charm. However, public sentiment shifted when she was suspected of sympathizing with France’s enemies and for her perceived lack of concern for the people’s welfare. Public outrage toward the queen grew as her actions and extravagant lifestyle became increasingly disconnected from the struggles of the common people, fueling discontent that helped spark the French Revolution in 1789. As the Revolution progressed, the French public demanded an end to the monarchy and sought a trial for the unpopular king and queen. After the monarchy was overthrown, both Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were sentenced to death and executed by guillotine.

Overview

Birthday November 2, 1755 (Scorpio)
Born In Austria
Alternative names Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna
City Vienna, Austria
Died on October 16, 1793
Spouse/Ex- Louis XVI of France (m. 1770–1793)
Parents Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Maria Theresa (m. 1736–1765)
Children Dauphin of France, Louis Joseph, Louis XVII of France, Marie-Thérèse, Duchess of Angoulême, Princess Sophie Hélène Béatrice of France
Relatives Archduchess Maria Amalia of Austria, Archduchess Maria Anna, Archduchess Maria Carolina of Austria, Archduchess Maria Elisabeth of Austria, Archduchess Maria Johanna Gabriela of Austria, Archduchess Maria Josepha of Austria, Archduke Charles Joseph of Austria, Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Este, Archduke Maximilian Franz of Austria, Duchess of Teschen, Duke of Breisgau, Holy Roman Emperor, Joseph II, Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, Leopold II, Maria Carolina of Austria, Maria Christina

Did you know

What was the significance of Marie Antoinette's famous quote Let them eat cake? The quote "Let them eat cake" is often attributed to Marie Antoinette, although there is no concrete evidence that she actually said it. It symbolizes her perceived indifference towards the struggles of the French people, as it suggests she was unaware of the widespread poverty and hunger.
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