1774–1793

Rule of Louis XVI of France

Grand-child of Louis XV, he receives a complete education that develops his interest for sciences and techniques (geography, locksmithing, watchmaking…).In 1770, he marries Marie-Antoinette of Austria. King in 1774, he chooses talented men as ministers. The help provided to the American colonies during the war of Independance restaures France’s prestige but inside the kingdom, opposition grows, aggravated by an economical crisis. In 1789, Louix XVI has to convoke the Estates-general. It is the beginning of what will lead to the French Revolution.