As an awkward and timid king, Louis XVI became an important man during the time of the French Revolution when he ascended the throne on May 10, 1774. Taking the position at a turbulent time in French history, Louis was basically marked for overthrow and death. Married to Marie Antoinette in 1770, Louis was influenced by a variety of sources. Unfortunately, many of these influences, including that of his wife, were negative and led to his beheading in January of 1793.
In an effort to save his own life and that of his family, Louis and the royal family attempted to flee the country but were caught and promptly returned to Paris. He was forced to accept and pledge his allegiance to the new French Constitution. Shortly after, it was discovered that Louis had been bribing French officials and was tried for treason where he was found guilty and sentenced to death. The speech he attempts to make to the gathered crowd is cut off by the swift movement of the guillotine.
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