Marie-Antoinette was executed by the guillotine during the French Revolution in 1793 due to her status as queen, her alleged excessive spending, and her support of absolute monarchy, which contributed to the anger of the revolutionary people.
In 1793, France is in the midst of the Terror, one of the most tense and violent periods of the French Revolution. The monarchy was abolished a year earlier, and a newly proclaimed Republic is struggling to establish itself in a chaotic context. Amid economic crisis, wars against foreign monarchies, and internal political tensions, the country is in turmoil. Radical revolutionaries, particularly the Jacobins led by figures like Robespierre, seize power and impose draconian measures to "save" the revolution, including executing those deemed enemies of the people. In this explosive climate, any symbol associated with the old regime quickly becomes very unpopular and suspect in the eyes of the people.
Marie-Antoinette represented to the French everything they reproached to the monarchy: excessive wealth, frivolity, and indecent privileges while the people suffered. Originally from Austria, she was perceived as a foreigner disconnected from the realities of the common people in France. She led an extravagant lifestyle with luxurious parties and crazy expenses, which amplified the image of a selfish queen, indifferent to the people's problems. In the midst of the Revolution, she had become the living symbol of monarchical injustice, thus crystallizing all popular anger.
Marie Antoinette suffered early on from a catastrophic reputation. She quickly became known as "the Austrian", which, in the context of the time, clearly sounded like an insult. Many people believed she was wasting the kingdom's money on endless luxurious parties. Pamphlets circulated everywhere, even absurdly claiming that she had organized orgies at Versailles. These stories, mostly fabricated or greatly exaggerated, fueled public anger against her. She was regularly caricatured, portrayed as selfish, superficial, and manipulative. Over time, she became, in the eyes of the French, the living embodiment of the monarchy's abuses of power and its unjust privileges. This negative and lasting image made her an ideal scapegoat during the revolutionary events.
Marie Antoinette appeared before the Revolutionary Tribunal in October 1793. She was judged mainly on politically motivated accusations exaggerated to enhance her image as an enemy of the revolution. She was particularly accused of intrigues in favor of France's enemies, astronomical spending that ruined the nation, and even a shocking and completely fabricated accusation of incest with her son. This trial was clearly a political maneuver: the goal was to completely discredit the former monarchy in the eyes of the people and send a strong message to the European monarchies hostile to the Revolution. She became the perfect symbol of everything the revolution wanted to definitively sweep away: the Old Regime, royal luxury, and foreign influence. Unsurprisingly, Marie Antoinette was found guilty and sentenced to death by guillotine.
In captivity, Marie Antoinette displayed great dignity and remained true to her monarchical principles, notably writing a poignant final letter to her sister-in-law Élisabeth on the eve of her execution.
The hairdresser Léonard Autié, known as 'the queen's hairdresser', was famous for the extravagant hairstyles he created for Marie Antoinette, which were considered 'true architectures' of hair adorned with feathers, jewels, and even ship models.
Marie-Antoinette was nicknamed 'Madame Deficit' by her detractors due to her alleged extravagant spending, which contributed to her negative image among the French people during the Revolution.
During her trial, Marie Antoinette was accused not only of treason and espionage in favor of Austria, but also of having squandered the national treasury and conspired against the security of the state.
The accusations made against Marie Antoinette, such as treason and incest, were primarily politically motivated. Although some of the accusations were clearly false or exaggerated, they were mainly aimed at destroying the monarchic image and publicly justifying her execution.
Her negative image, amplified by pamphlets and popular rumors, had a strong influence on public opinion. Her portrayal as 'Madame Deficit' or as the frivolous and extravagant queen facilitated the political justification for her trial and allowed for broader popular support for her execution.
Yes, several plots and attempts were considered to free or save the queen, including diplomatic efforts made by European monarchies. However, these attempts failed, sometimes even increasing public distrust towards her.
The guillotine was chosen because it offered a quick, equal, and considered humane execution compared to older methods, such as hanging or dismemberment. It also symbolized equality before the law, executing nobles and citizens in the same manner.
Its execution marked a profound break: it became a dramatic symbol of the collapse of the old regime. In France, it intensified revolutionary radicalization, while in Europe, it sparked strong emotions, prompting several countries to escalate their hostility towards the French Revolution.
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