Marie-Antoinette, painted by Wagenschon shortly after her marriage in 1770

Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France and Archduchess of Austria (born 2 November 1755 – executed 16 October 1793) Daughter of Maria Theresa of Austria, wife of Louis XVI and mother of Louis XVII. She was guillotined at the height of the French Revolution. This image is in the public domain because its copyright has expired in the United States and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 100 years. ... This image is in the public domain because its copyright has expired in the United States and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 100 years. ... Events March 5 - Boston Massacre: 5 Americans killed by British troops in an event that would help start the American Revolutionary War 5 years later. ... The French Republic or France (French: République française or France) is a country whose metropolitan territory is located in western Europe, and which is further made up of a collection of overseas islands and territories located in other continents. ... The Republic of Austria (German: Republik Österreich) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. ... November 2 is the 306th day of the year (307th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 59 days remaining. ... Events January 25 - Moscow University established. ... October 16 is the 289th day of the year (290th in Leap years). ... 1793 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... This page is about Maria Theresa of Austria (often only known as Empress Maria Theresa), ruler of the Habsburg Empire from 1740-1780. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... Louis XVII of France (March 27, 1785 - June 8, 1795) also known as Louis-Charles, Duke of Normandy (1785-1789), Louis-Charles, Dauphin of Viennois (1789-1791), and Louis-Charles, Prince Royal of France (1791-1793), was the son of King Louis XVI of France and Marie Antoinette, who never... The period of the French Revolution in the history of France covers the years between 1789 and 1799, in which democrats and republicans overthrew the absolute monarchy and the Roman Catholic Church was forced to undergo radical restructuring. ...

Childhood

Marie-Antoinette was the fifteenth child (the youngest daughter; she had a brother one year younger) of the Austrian empress, Maria Theresa and Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor. She was born at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna on 2 November 1755. She was christened Maria-Antonia-Josepha-Johanna. Maria was in honour of the Virgin Mary, Antonia in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua, Josepha in honour of her elder brother, Archduke Josef and Johanna in honour of Saint John the Evangelist. A court official described the new baby as "a small, but completely healthy Archduchess." This page is about Maria Theresa of Austria (often only known as Empress Maria Theresa), ruler of the Habsburg Empire from 1740-1780. ... Francis I Francis I (December 8, 1708 - August 18, 1765) was Holy Roman Emperor and Grand Duke of Tuscany. ... This article is about the city and federal state in Austria. ... November 2 is the 306th day of the year (307th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 59 days remaining. ... Events January 25 - Moscow University established. ... The term Virgin Mary has several different meanings: For the historical and multi-denominational concept of Mary, see Mary, the mother of Jesus. ... Joseph II may refer to either: Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II, Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ...

Maria-Antonia was brought up in the company of her closest sister, Maria-Carolina (two years older) and brother, Max, (one year younger.) Her other brothers – Josef, Leopold, and Ferdinand-Karl – already had important official roles within the Hapsburg Empire. Joseph II may refer to either: Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II, Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Leopold II can refer to: Leopold II of Austria Leopold II of Belgium Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Habsburg (sometimes spelled Hapsburg, but never so in official use) was one of the major ruling houses of Europe. ...

Marie-Antoinette's mother, the Empress Maria-Theresa, had ruled the Austrian Empire for fifteen years before Antoinette's birth. She was considered one of the most brilliant political figures in Europe.

As a child, legend has that Marie-Antoinette met the young child genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He performed a short musical concert for the Imperial Family. When the Empress asked him what he would like as a reward, Mozart is said to have responded by saying he would like the hand of the Empress's youngest daughter in marriage - Marie-Antoinette (much to the Empress's amusement.) engraving of Maria Theresa of Austria, scanned from 19th century book: Lesbuch der Weltgeschichete oder Die Geschichete der Menschheit, by William Rednbacher, 1890. ... engraving of Maria Theresa of Austria, scanned from 19th century book: Lesbuch der Weltgeschichete oder Die Geschichete der Menschheit, by William Rednbacher, 1890. ... W.A. Mozart at the age of 21 W.A. Mozart at the age of 34 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (January 27, 1756 – December 5, 1791) is considered one of the greatest composers of European classical music. ...

Maria-Antonia's sisters were soon married off to European royalty. Maria-Christina, the eldest, was married to the Regent of the Netherlands, Maria-Amalia was married to the Prince of Parma and Maria-Antonia's favourite sister, Maria-Carolina, was married to King Ferdinand of the Naples. The Netherlands (Dutch: Nederland) is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Dutch: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden). ... Parma is a medieval city in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, with splendid architecture and a fine countryside around it. ... Alternate uses: See Naples (disambiguation) Naples (Italian Napoli, Neapolitan Napule, from Greek Νέα-Πόλις, latinised in Neapolis) is the largest town in southern Italy, capital of Campania region. ...

Charming and well-mannered as child, Maria-Antonia had little real education. She was flighty, artistic and read almost nothing. Her French was imperfect and she preferred to speak German. However, when her sister Johanna-Gabriella died of smallpox in 1762, Maria-Antonia became the next child to be involved in her mother's political games. 1762 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ...

With a new peace treaty having been signed between Austria and France, it was hoped that the fighting which had being going on intermittently since 1494 would finally end. Louis XV's heir was his grandson, Louis-Auguste, and it was proposed that he should marry one of Maria Theresa's daughters. With Johanna-Gabriella dead, it was decided that Maria-Antonia should be sent to France to marry the Dauphin. The Republic of Austria (German: Republik Österreich) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. ... The French Republic or France (French: République française or France) is a country whose metropolitan territory is located in western Europe, and which is further made up of a collection of overseas islands and territories located in other continents. ... Events January 25 - Alfonso II becomes King of Naples. ... Louis XV King of France and Navarre Louis XV (February 15, 1710 - May 10, 1774), called the Well-Beloved (French: le Bien-Aimé), was king of France from 1715 to 1774. ... This page is about Maria Theresa of Austria (often only known as Empress Maria Theresa), ruler of the Habsburg Empire from 1740-1780. ...

When Maria Theresa asked a seer if her daughter would be happy in France, he replied, "There are crosses for all shoulders." Maria-Antonia left Vienna in April 1770, when she was fourteen. The Empress's parting words to her sobbing daughter was, "Farewell, my dearest child. Do so much good to the French people that they can say that I have sent them an angel." This article is about the city and federal state in Austria. ... April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of four with the length of 30 days. ... Events March 5 - Boston Massacre: 5 Americans killed by British troops in an event that would help start the American Revolutionary War 5 years later. ...

Two and half weeks after leaving Vienna, Maria-Antonia was handed over to messengers from the French Court. She was stripped of all her Austrian clothes and re-dressed in French attire. She was then taken to Strasbourg, where a Thanksgiving Mass was held in her honour. The streets of the city where covered in flowers, which Marie-Antoinette (as she was now known) gently picked up like "the goddess Flora". The entire city was illuminated in her honour and a few days later, she began the journey to Versailles. This article is about the city and federal state in Austria. ... City motto: – City proper ( commune) Région Alsace Département Bas-Rhin (67) Mayor Fabienne Keller ( UMP) (since 2001) Area 78. ... Versailles: Louis Le Vau opened up the interior court to create the expansive entrance cour dhonneur, later copied all over Europe The Château de Versailles — often called the Palace of Versailles, or simply Versailles — is a royal château, outside the gates of which the village of Versailles, France, has...

Marriage

Marie-Antoinette's husband, Louis-Auguste (the future Louis XVI). Although intelligent and good-natured, Louis was also weak, indecisive, shy and awkward.

Marie-Antoinette was conveyed to the royal palace at Versailles, where she met her future grandfather-in-law Louis XV and the other members of the Royal Family. Her future husband, the Dauphin Louis-Auguste was shy, awkward and distant. He was only a year older than she was and had no sexual or romantic relationships to prepare him for dealing with his fiancée. Their marriage was conducted within hours of Marie-Antoinette arriving at Versailles. The Wedding Mass was celebrated with great pomp in the Chapel Royal on 16 May 1770. Just before the wedding, Marie-Antoinette was presented with the magnificent jewels which traditionally belonged to a French dauphiness. This collection included an elaborate diamond necklace which had belonged to Anne of Austria and pieces which had also belonged to Mary Queen of Scots and Catherine de Medici. The large collection of gems was valued at approximately 2 million livres. Marie-Antoinette then received King Louis's personal wedding gift to her. It was a fan, encrusted with diamonds. Louis XVI (color); From [[1]] in the public domain This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Louis XVI (color); From [[1]] in the public domain This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... Louis XV King of France and Navarre Louis XV (February 15, 1710 - May 10, 1774), called the Well-Beloved (French: le Bien-Aimé), was king of France from 1715 to 1774. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... Events March 5 - Boston Massacre: 5 Americans killed by British troops in an event that would help start the American Revolutionary War 5 years later. ... Anne of Austria Anne of Austria (September 22, 1601 _ January 20, 1666) was Queen Consort of France and Regent for her son, Louis XIV of France. ... Mary I of Scotland; known as Mary, Queen of Scots Mary I of Scotland (Mary Stuart or Stewart) (December 8, 1542 – February 8, 1587), better known as Mary, Queen of Scots, was the ruler of Scotland from December 14, 1542 – July 24, 1567. ... Catherine de Medici (April 13, 1519–January 5, 1589), born in Italy as Caterina Maria Romola di Lorenzo de Medici, and later queen of France under the French name Catherine de M dicis, was the wife of King Henry II of France, of the Valois branch of the kings of...

Louis-Auguste and Marie-Antoinette were then married in front of the Court, with Marie-Antoinette wearing a magnificent dress with huge white hoops covered in diamonds and pearls. There was then a formal dinner, which was also held in front of the crowd. Louis-Auguste ate an enormous amount. When the King told him to eat less, Louis-Auguste replied "Why? I always sleep better when I have a full stomach!" The Court then conducted the young couple to their bed, which had just been blessed by the Archbishop of Rheims. However, the marriage was not consummated that night. Rumours would later circulate that Louis-Auguste was impotent, but this was not the case. Nor was it true that he suffered from phimosis. Rather, it seems that no one had explained to either Louis or Antoinette what they were supposed to do on their wedding night. They had only a very vague idea of sex and this increased the awkwardness between them. Within days, gossips at Versailles were already whispering that the royal marriage was a sham. The Archdiocese of Reims was founded (as a diocese) around 250 by St. ... SUCK MY PENIS BITCH!!! ... Impotence or, more clinically, erectile dysfunction is the inability to maintain an erection of the penis for satisfactory sexual intercourse regardless of the capability of ejaculation. ... Phimosis is a medical term referring to a condition in which the foreskin of the penis of an uncircumcised male cannot be fully retracted. ... Versailles, formerly the capital city of the kingdom of France, is now a wealthy suburb of Paris and is still an important administrative and judicial center. ...

Life as Dauphiness

Since they were not sleeping together, Louis and Antoinette remained childless for the first few years of their marriage. Spiteful gossips blamed Marie-Antoinette for her childlessness and some people even asserted that she should be divorced and sent back to Austria. The young Dauphiness's position was not helped by the fact that she had earned the enmity of the king's mistress, Madame du Barry. Du Barry had begun life as Jeanne Bécu, a common prostitute before she had been noticed by Louis XV and become his lover. Marie-Antoinette felt it was beneath her dignity as a Hapsburg princess to talk to a lady with such a past. Du Barry therefore set about to make Marie-Antoinette's life as miserable as possible. She began turning the king against his granddaughter-in-law and once tipped a bucket of dirty water on Antoinette's head as she walked underneath her window. The Republic of Austria (German: Republik Österreich) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. ... Louis XV King of France and Navarre Louis XV (February 15, 1710 - May 10, 1774), called the Well-Beloved (French: le Bien-Aimé), was king of France from 1715 to 1774. ... Madame du Barry (August 19, 1743 - December 8, 1793) was a courtesan who became the mistress of Louis XV of France. ... Prostitution is the sale of sexual services (examples: oral sex, sexual intercourse) for money. ... Louis XV King of France and Navarre Louis XV (February 15, 1710 - May 10, 1774), called the Well-Beloved (French: le Bien-Aimé), was king of France from 1715 to 1774. ... Habsburg (sometimes spelled Hapsburg, but never so in official use) was one of the major ruling houses of Europe. ...

The Palace of Versailles, where Marie-Antoinette lived from her marriage in 1770 until the siege of the palace in 1789

Marie-Antoinette's daily routine was even more depressing. When she awoke in the morning, she was assisted out of bed and dressed by the various high-ranking noblewomen who were her ladies-in-waiting. Her dinner was also in public, which she ate with her husband. Anyone who was decently dressed was permitted to come and watch the royals eating their dinner. Louis-Auguste ate enormous amounts of food, whilst Marie-Antoinette ate almost nothing when she was in public. Marie-Antoinette loathed this spectacle and she complained bitterly to her mother, "I put on my rouge and wash my hands in front of the whole world!" Castle of Versailles (from de-Wikipedia) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Castle of Versailles (from de-Wikipedia) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Events March 5 - Boston Massacre: 5 Americans killed by British troops in an event that would help start the American Revolutionary War 5 years later. ... 1789 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ...

Homesick and melancholy, Marie-Antoinette especially missed the companionship she had enjoyed with her sister, Maria-Carolina. She found a substitute for this with the gentle Princesse Thérèse de Lamballe. Thérèse de Lamballe was wealthy and kind-natured; she was also absolutely devoted to Marie-Antoinette. Not long after meeting Thérèse, Marie-Antoinette formed a deep attachment to the beautiful and ambitious aristocrat, Gabrielle, Comtesse de Polignac. She was also on excellent terms with her husband's youngest brother Charles, the Comte d'Artois. Portrait of Princesse de Lamballe Marie Thérèse Louise de Savoie-Carignan, princesse de Lamballe (September 8, 1749 - September 3, 1792), was one of the best-known victims of the French Revolution. ... Yolande Martine Gabrielle de Polastron, comtesse de Polignac (September 8, 1749 - December 9, 1793) was a French aristocrat and friend of Marie Antoinette, whom she first met at Versailles in 1775. ... Charles X, King of France and of Navarre ( October 9, 1757 – November 6, 1836) was born at the Palace of Versailles. ...

Marie-Antoinette refused to involve herself in politics, possibly because she lacked any real knowledge or interest in them. She was being spied upon by her mother's ambassador, Comte Mercy d'Argenteau, who reported with great frustration that she was doing nothing to further Austria's influence in France. The Republic of Austria (German: Republik Österreich) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. ... The French Republic or France (French: République française or France) is a country whose metropolitan territory is located in western Europe, and which is further made up of a collection of overseas islands and territories located in other continents. ...

Louis-Auguste and Marie-Antoinette's life changed suddenly at 3 o'clock in the afternoon of 10th May 1774 when King Louis XV died of smallpox. The courtiers rushed over to Marie-Antoinette's apartments to swear allegiance to their new king, Louis XVI, and his Austrian wife, Marie-Antoinette. The new King and Queen fell on their knees in prayer, with Louis saying "Dear God, guide and protect us. We are too young to reign." Marie-Antoinette wiped away her tears and stood with her husband to greet the courtiers who had come to pledge their loyalty to the new king and queen. Events January 21 - Mustafa III, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire dies and is succeeded by his brother Abd-ul-Hamid I. May 10 - Louis XVI becomes King of France. ... Louis XV King of France and Navarre Louis XV (February 15, 1710 - May 10, 1774), called the Well-Beloved (French: le Bien-Aimé), was king of France from 1715 to 1774. ... Smallpox (also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera) is a highly contagious disease unique to humans. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ...

Coronation and queenship

Louis XVI's coronation took place at Rheims during the height of a bread shortage in Paris. Tradition would later state that it was at this point that Marie-Antoinette joked, "If they have no bread, then let them eat cake!" ("Qu'ils mangent de la brioche.") However, this phrase was never uttered by Marie-Antoinette – although it might have been said by an earlier French queen. When Marie-Antoinette actually heard about the bread shortage she wrote, "It is quite certain that in seeing the people who treat us so well despite their own misfortune, we are more obliged than ever to work hard for their happiness. The King seems to understand this truth; as for myself, I know that in my whole life (even if I live for a hundred years) I shall never forget the day of the coronation." Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... Reims (English traditionally Rheims) is a city of north-eastern France, 98 miles east-northeast of Paris. ... The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... Maria Theresa of Spain (in French: Marie Thérèse) (September 10, 1638 - July 30, 1683), queen consort of France as wife of Louis XIV of France, was born at the Escorial as the daughter of Philip IV of Spain and of Elisabeth of France (1602 - 1644). ...

The royals had been greeted with an outpouring of national joy and the young queen was especially adored; despite the cost of the coronation (almost 7000 livres were spent on a new crown for Louis XVI) and Marie-Antoinette's magnificent gown was ordered from the fashion house of Paris's most exclusive designer, Rose Bertin. Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ...

Shortly after the coronation, Marie-Antoinette attempted to bring the duc de Choiseul back to court. He had been banished by Madame du Barry because of his loyalty to Marie-Antoinette and the alliance with Austria. However, the new queen did not have much success. Although King Louis did meet with Choiseul, he did not bring him back to court permanently. Later, when she tried to have her friend, the duc de Guines, appointed ambassador to England, Louis XVI said, "I have made it quite clear to the Queen that he cannot serve in England or in any other Embassy." It was obvious that Marie-Antoinette enjoyed no political influence with her husband, whatsoever. Choiseul can refer to: Etienne Francois, Duke of Choiseul Choiseul, Haute-Marne, a commune in the Haute-Marne département in France Choiseul province, Solomon Islands, a province of the Solomon Islands Choiseul, Saint Lucia This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share... Madame du Barry (August 19, 1743 - December 8, 1793) was a courtesan who became the mistress of Louis XV of France. ... The Republic of Austria (German: Republik Österreich) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. ... Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right) Englands location within the UK Official language English de facto Capital London de facto Largest city London Area  - Total Ranked 1st UK 130,395 km² Population  - Total (2001)  - Density Ranked 1st UK 49,138,831 377/km² Religion... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ...

When Marie-Antoinette's sister-in-law, Maria-Teresa, the wife of the Comte d'Artois gave birth to her first child in August 1775, Marie-Antoinette was subjected to cat-calls from market women asking why she had not produced a son too. She spent the next day weeping in her rooms; much to the distress of her ladies-in-waiting, who felt she was "extremely affecting when in misfortune." Charles X, King of France and of Navarre ( October 9, 1757 – November 6, 1836) was born at the Palace of Versailles. ... August is the eighth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... Events February 9 - American Revolutionary War: British Parliament declares Massachusetts in rebellion March 23 - American Revolutionary War: Patrick Henry delivers his speech - give me liberty or give me death in Williamsburg, Virginia. ...

Fulfilling Marie-Antoinette's determination to avoid boredom, conversation in her circle shied away from the mundane or intellectual. According to Madame Campan, one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting, "The newest songs from the Comédie, the most timely joke or pun or quip, the bon mot of the day, the latest and choicest titbit of scandal or gossip – these comprised the sole topics of conversation in the intimate group about the Queen; discussion on a serious plane was banished from her court."

The queen's circle of friends was very exclusive. This caused resentment in Versailles, where the courtiers thought the queen was deliberately excluding them. Soon, she became the target of the vicious gossip of Versailles. She, however, remained oblivious. Versailles, formerly the capital city of the kingdom of France, is now a wealthy suburb of Paris and is still an important administrative and judicial center. ...

Under the influence of Artois, Marie-Antoinette began visiting the Paris Opéra Balls in disguise. It was not long before gossips began whispering that the queen was orchestrating such events to meet with various secret lovers. Charles X, King of France and of Navarre ( October 9, 1757 – November 6, 1836) was born at the Palace of Versailles. ...

She also began spending more and more money, since she had no real idea of its value. She had three major weaknesses; clothes, gambling and diamonds. For her twenty-first birthday, she participated in a three-day long gambling party, in which huge amounts of money changed hands.

The Petit Trianon

Marie-Antoinette had already caused enough anger at Versailles when she started appointing her friends to places which were traditionally held by others. She made Thérèse de Lamballe the Superintendent of the Queen's Household, despite the fact that there were some aristocratic ladies who had greater right to have that job. Chateau of the Petit Trianon, Versailles, Ange-Jacques Gabriel, architect File links The following pages link to this file: Marie Antoinette Palace of Versailles Ange-Jacques Gabriel ... Chateau of the Petit Trianon, Versailles, Ange-Jacques Gabriel, architect File links The following pages link to this file: Marie Antoinette Palace of Versailles Ange-Jacques Gabriel ... Versailles, formerly the capital city of the kingdom of France, is now a wealthy suburb of Paris and is still an important administrative and judicial center. ...

She then began spending less time living at the palace and more time at La Petit Trianon, which was a small château in the palace grounds. The château was renovated for her and the costs soon spiralled out of control, especially whenever the gardens were re-designed to suit the queen's new tastes.

Vindictive rumours began that Marie-Antoinette was sleeping with her brother-in-law. Illegal presses in Paris soon began printing pamphlets showing the queen and Artois as adulterous lovers. The first pamphlet was called Les Amours de Charlot et Antoinette. L'Autrichienne en Goguette showed Artois and Marie-Antoinette having anal sex in a palace salon. Le Godmiche Royale showed Marie-Antoinette masturbating, and later pamphlets would suggest that she had indulged in bestiality and lesbianism. None of these charges were true, but they began to chip away at the queen's popularity with the people. The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... Charles X, King of France and of Navarre ( October 9, 1757 – November 6, 1836) was born at the Palace of Versailles. ... Charles X, King of France and of Navarre ( October 9, 1757 – November 6, 1836) was born at the Palace of Versailles. ... Roman man and youth having anal sex. ... Masturbation is the manual excitation of the sexual organs, most often to the point of orgasm. ... This topic contains controversial issues which have been discussed and a consensus reached for approach and neutrality. ... Homosexuality may refer to: A sexual orientation characterized by aesthetic attraction, romantic love, and sexual desire exclusively or almost exclusively for members of the same sex or with the same gender identity (e. ...

There were also wider problems affecting France at the time; for the entire country was standing on the edge of bankruptcy. Louis XIV's wars with William of Orange had left France with the highest national debt anywhere in Europe. French society was under-taxed and what little money was collected failed to save the economy. An anti-British clique at court persuaded Louis XVI to support the American Revolutionaries in their fight for independence from George III. This decision was a disaster for France, for the cost was enormous. Louis XIV King of France and Navarre By Hyacinthe Rigaud (1701) Louis XIV (Louis-Dieudonné) (September 5, 1638–September 1, 1715) reigned as King of France and King of Navarre from May 14, 1643 until his death. ... William III King of England, Scotland and Ireland William III and II (14 November 1650–8 March 1702; also known as William Henry and William of Orange) was Prince of Orange from his birth, King of England and Ireland from 13 February 1689, and King of Scotland from 11 April... The French Republic or France (French: République française or France) is a country whose metropolitan territory is located in western Europe, and which is further made up of a collection of overseas islands and territories located in other continents. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... George III (George William Frederick) (4 June 1738–29 January 1820) was King of Great Britain, and King of Ireland from 25 October 1760 until 1 January 1801, and thereafter King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until his death. ...

Marie-Antoinette's brother, Emperor Joseph II, visited her in April 1777. He had come to inquire about the state of her marriage, since the Austrians were concerned about her failure to produce a son. They went for a long walk in the grounds of La Petit Trianon, during which Joseph criticised her gambling and her taste in friends. He also had a deep conversation with Louis XVI, in which they discussed his sexual problems. Whatever Joseph II said to Louis XVI, it obviously worked. For the marriage was soon consummated and by April 1778, the Queen could happily announce that she was pregnant. Joseph II may refer to either: Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II, Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of four with the length of 30 days. ... Events The Cornish language died out 2nd edition of Encyclopædia Britannica published January 3 - American general George Washington defeats British general Charles Cornwallis at the Battle of Princeton. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of four with the length of 30 days. ... Events The term Thoroughbred was first used in the United States in an advertisement in a Kentucky gazette to describe a New Jersey stallion called Pilgarlick . ...

Motherhood

Marie-Antoinette's first child was born at Versailles 19th December 1778. She was forced to endure the humiliation of a public birth in her Bedchamber, in front of hundreds of courtiers. The Queen actually passed out through a combination of embarrassment and pain. It was the last time such a ritual was permitted as Marie-Antoinette refused to give birth in public ever again. Versailles: Louis Le Vau opened up the interior court to create the expansive entrance cour dhonneur, later copied all over Europe The Château de Versailles — often called the Palace of Versailles, or simply Versailles — is a royal château, outside the gates of which the village of Versailles, France, has... December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... Events The term Thoroughbred was first used in the United States in an advertisement in a Kentucky gazette to describe a New Jersey stallion called Pilgarlick . ...

The baby was a girl and she was christened Marie-Thérèse-Charlotte. She was created "Princess Royal" or Madame Royale, since she was the eldest daughter of the King of France. Despite the fact that the country had desired a boy, Marie-Antoinette was delighted with a girl. "A son would have belonged to the state," she said, "but you shall be mine, and have all my care; you shall share my happiness and soften my sorrows." Marie-Thérèse-Charlotte, ( December 20, 1778 - October 19, 1851), also known as La Princesse Royale or Madame Royale, was the eldest child of King Louis XVI and his Austrian wife, Queen Marie Antoinette. ... The French Republic or France (French: République française or France) is a country whose metropolitan territory is located in western Europe, and which is further made up of a collection of overseas islands and territories located in other continents. ...

Marie Antoinette in 1783, portrait by her favourite artist, Marie Louise Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun

Much to the chagrin of many courtiers, Marie-Antoinette's favourite the Comtesse de Polignac was made the new princess' Governess. She kept this post even when Marie-Antoinette's three other children were born – Louis-Joséph in 1781, Louis-Charles in 1785 and Sophie-Béatrix in 1786. The two-dimensional work of art depicted in this image is in the public domain in the United States and in those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 100 years. ... The two-dimensional work of art depicted in this image is in the public domain in the United States and in those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 100 years. ... Events February 3 - Spain recognizes United States independence. ... Self-portrait, 1782 Marie Louise Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun (April 16, 1755 - March 30, 1842) was a French painter, the most famous woman painter of the 18th century. ... Yolande Martine Gabrielle de Polastron, comtesse de Polignac (September 8, 1749 - December 9, 1793) was a French aristocrat and friend of Marie Antoinette, whom she first met at Versailles in 1775. ... Louis-Joseph-Xavier-François was born to Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI and died at the age of eight of tuberculosis. ... Events January 5 - American Revolutionary War: Richmond, Virginia is burned by British naval forces led by Benedict Arnold. ... Louis XVII of France (March 27, 1785 - June 8, 1795) also known as Louis-Charles, Duke of Normandy (1785-1789), Louis-Charles, Dauphin of Viennois (1789-1791), and Louis-Charles, Prince Royal of France (1791-1793), was the son of King Louis XVI of France and Marie Antoinette, who never... Events January 1st The first issue of the Daily Universal Register, later known as The Times, is published in London. ... 1786 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

As she grew older, Marie-Antoinette became much less extravagant. She was devoted to her children and she was very involved in taking care of them. Speaking of her youngest son, Louis-Charles, she said, "Mon chou d'amour is charming, and I love him madly. He loves me very much too, in his own way, without embarrassment." She was also much more involved in charity work, although she had always been very generous. Louis XVII of France (March 27, 1785 - June 8, 1795) also known as Louis-Charles, Duke of Normandy (1785-1789), Louis-Charles, Dauphin of Viennois (1789-1791), and Louis-Charles, Prince Royal of France (1791-1793), was the son of King Louis XVI of France and Marie Antoinette, who never...

After she turned thirty in 1785, Marie-Antoinette also began to dress with more constraint. She abandoned the more elaborate wigs which had been festooned with jewels and feathers and she refused to buy any more jewels for her personal collection. She was, however, fiercely criticised for building a small mock-village for herself in the grounds of Versailles in 1786. Events January 1st The first issue of the Daily Universal Register, later known as The Times, is published in London. ... Versailles: Louis Le Vau opened up the interior court to create the expansive entrance cour dhonneur, later copied all over Europe The Château de Versailles — often called the Palace of Versailles, or simply Versailles — is a royal château, outside the gates of which the village of Versailles, France, has... 1786 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

The building of these kinds of artificial villages was very popular among French aristocratic ladies, who were keen to experience a rural idyll in the comfort of their own estates. This tradition had begun with Louis XIV's greatest mistress, the beautiful Athénaïs de Montespan in the 1680s. Marie-Antoinette's defenders did not think she deserved so much criticism for building the Hameau (as it was known.) Baroness d'Oberkirch complained, "Other people spent more on their gardens!" Even so, the Queen was already unpopular and she could not possibly understand how much the Hameau would further damage her reputation. Many people began to see her as a clueless spendthrift who liked to play at being a shepherdess, whilst some of the real peasants lived in very hard conditions. Louis XIV King of France and Navarre By Hyacinthe Rigaud (1701) Louis XIV (Louis-Dieudonné) (September 5, 1638–September 1, 1715) reigned as King of France and King of Navarre from May 14, 1643 until his death. ... Françoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart, Mme de Montespan Françoise-Athénaïs of Rochechouart, marquise of Montespan (October 5, 1641 - May 27, 1707) was a mistress of Louis XIV. Born at the chateau of Tonnay-Charente, in todays Charente-Maritime, France, the daughter of Gabriel de... Petit hameau, Versailles Petit hameau the English translation of which is Little hamlet sometimes called Le Hameau de la Reine was part of the private area of Queen Marie Antoinette at Verailles in France. ...

The Affair of the Necklace

One of the cottages built in Marie-Antoinette's private village in 1783. The cost was not as great as the queen's enemies pretended, but she was criticised for it nonetheless

Cardinal Louis de Rohan, a member of one of France's most prominent aristocratic houses, had been desperate to ingratiate himself with Marie-Antoinette ever since she had ostracised him after he had offended her mother. He had also jested to friends in Vienna by showing them some of the pamphlets insulting Marie-Antoinette's honour. Download high resolution version (1600x1200, 646 KB)Hameau at Versailles . ... Download high resolution version (1600x1200, 646 KB)Hameau at Versailles . ... Events February 3 - Spain recognizes United States independence. ... Louis René Édouard, cardinal de Rohan (September 25, 1734 - February 17, 1803), prince de Rohan-Guemenée, archbishop of Strassburg (now Strasbourg), a cadet of the great family of Rohan (which traced its origin to the kings of Brittany, and was granted the precedence and rank of a foreign princely... This page is about Maria Theresa of Austria (often only known as Empress Maria Theresa), ruler of the Habsburg Empire from 1740-1780. ... This article is about the city and federal state in Austria. ...

When an impoverished aristocrat named Jeanne Saint-Rémy de Valois, Comtesse de la Motte, became aware of Rohan's desire to befriend the queen, she first became his mistress and then set about hatching an ingenious plan to make a small fortune for herself in the process. Jeanne de Valois was born in France 1756 to a peasant family. ...

Marie-Antoinette had refused to buy a magnificent diamond necklace from the Royal Jewellers (she said the cost was too high and that the Royal Family preferred now to spend their money on the Navy). She became impatient with the jeweller and snapped, "Not only have I never commissioned you to make a jewel … but, what is more, I have told you repeatedly that I would never add so much as another carat to my present collection of diamonds. I refused to buy your necklace for myself; the King offered to buy it for me, and I refused it as a gift. Never mention it again."

The Comtesse de la Motte then pretended to be an intimate friend of the Queen's, whilst persuading the Cardinal that the Queen secretly desired the necklace. He paid the 2 million livres to her (thinking she would then give it to the Queen) and the Comtesse collected the necklace from the jewellers (who also thought she would give it to the Queen, who would then pay them.) The Comtesse de la Motte, however, disappeared with both the jewels and the money.

When the Comtesse and the Cardinal were brought to trial, the Monarchy's enemies seized upon the chance to attack the Queen through the scandal. They implied that it was Marie-Antoinette's poor reputation which had made the whole débâcle possible. The Cardinal was acquitted and Marie-Antoinette was suspected of having masterminded the whole plot. Naturally, the pamphleteers delighted in suggesting that she was having affairs with both the Cardinal and the Comtesse.

Popular hatred against the queen accelerated rapidly after the Affair of the Diamond Necklace. The Comtesse later escaped to England, where she continued to insult the queen and protest her own innocence. Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right) Englands location within the UK Official language English de facto Capital London de facto Largest city London Area  - Total Ranked 1st UK 130,395 km² Population  - Total (2001)  - Density Ranked 1st UK 49,138,831 377/km² Religion...

The countdown to Revolution

Coupled with the political disaster of the Affair of the Necklace, the Royal Family also suffered some terrible personal tragedies. In 1787, Marie-Antoinette's youngest daughter, Sophie-Béatrix, died shortly before her first birthday. The Queen was devastated and spent hours weeping over the baby's body. 1787 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ...

Not long after, the Royal Physicians informed her that her eldest son, the Dauphin Louis-Joséph, was terminally ill with consumption. The child's condition deteriorated and Marie-Antoinette spent most of her time nursing him during his last agonising months. Tuberculous lungs show up on an X-ray image Tuberculosis is an infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also affect the central nervous system (meningitis), lymphatic system, circulatory system (miliary TB), genitourinary system, bones and joints. ...

The French government was now seriously in debt, thanks to inefficient taxation and costly foreign wars. The King summoned a council of nobles to discuss the situation. The Assembly of Notables, as it was called, could find no solution to the government's financial crisis. So Louis XVI was left with no alternative other than to call a meeting of the Estates-General in May 1789. The Estates-General was the main representative body of the French population, but it had not been called since the reign of Louis XIII in 1614. Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... May is the fifth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1789 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... The word States-General, or Estates-General, refers in English to : the Etats-Généraux of France before the French Revolution the Staten-Generaal of the Netherlands. ... Louis XIII (September 27, 1601 - May 14, 1643), called the Just (French: le Juste), was King of France from 1610 to 1643. ... Events April 5 - In Virginia, Native American Pocahontas marries English colonist John Rolfe. ...

Within days of meeting, the Estates-General was clamouring for reforms and criticising the Monarchy and its policies. However, the Royal Family's attentions were on other things. On 4 June, Louis-Joséph died at the age of seven. The King sank into sporadic bouts of clinical depression and the Queen was heartbroken. Immediately, some of her enemies began to spread rumours that she had poisoned her own son. The word States-General, or Estates-General, refers in English to : the Etats-Généraux of France before the French Revolution the Staten-Generaal of the Netherlands. ... June is the sixth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of four with the length of 30 days. ... In ordinary conversation, nearly any mood with some element of sadness may be called depressed. However, for depression to be termed clinical depression it must reach criteria which are generally accepted by clinicians; it is more than just a temporary state of sadness. ...

The ultra-royalist circles at Versailles feared and resented the Estates-General. Marie-Antoinette was coming to suspect that the reformists in the Estates-General were secretly working to overthrow the Monarchy. On 11 July, Marie-Antoinette and her brother-in-law the Comte d'Artois persuaded Louis XVI to dismiss the liberal prime minister, Jacques Necker. Marie-Antoinette's ally, Baron de Breteuil was made prime minister instead. Versailles: Louis Le Vau opened up the interior court to create the expansive entrance cour dhonneur, later copied all over Europe The Château de Versailles — often called the Palace of Versailles, or simply Versailles — is a royal château, outside the gates of which the village of Versailles, France, has... July is the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... Charles X, King of France and of Navarre ( October 9, 1757 – November 6, 1836) was born at the Palace of Versailles. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... Jacques Necker Jacques Necker (September 30, 1732 - April 9, 1804) was a French statesman and finance minister of Louis XVI. Early life Necker was born in Geneva, Switzerland. ... Louis-Auguste le Tonnelier Louis-Auguste le Tonnelier, baron de Breteuil (1730 _ 1807) was a French aristocrat, statesman and politician. ...

Breteuil was a devout Roman Catholic and a committed royalist. The monarchy's enemies painted him as a ruthless tyrant, even though he did have a reputation for being very humanitarian in his treatment of opponents. Even so, the propaganda worked and Paris was gripped by fear that the royalists were planning a military attack on the city in order to force it into submission. The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... Monarchism is the advocacy of the establishment, preservation, or restoration of a monarchy. ... The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ...

A large mob marched on the symbol of royal authority in Paris, the Bastille Prison and seized control of it on 14 July 1789. The Governor of the Prison was lynched and so were two ultra-right politicians. News did not reach the palace until very late that evening. When Louis XVI heard of it he asked, "This is a revolt?" to which the duc de la Rochefoucauld-Liancourt replied, "No, sire. It is a revolution." The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... For Bastille Linux, a hardening application, see Bastille Linux. ... July is the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1789 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Versailles: Louis Le Vau opened up the interior court to create the expansive entrance cour dhonneur, later copied all over Europe The Château de Versailles — often called the Palace of Versailles, or simply Versailles — is a royal château, outside the gates of which the village of Versailles, France, has... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ...

Panic seized the palace and many courtiers fled for their lives. Louis XVI sent his youngest brother, Charles d'Artois abroad, because there were fears he would be assassinated. Louis also hoped that if anything happened to the rest of the Royal Family, Charles would be able to keep the Monarchy alive in exile. Marie-Antoinette's beloved Comtesse de Polignac fled to Switzerland, where she continued writing to the queen. Marie-Antoinette appointed the Marquise de Tourzel as governess to the two surviving royal children – Princess Marie-Thérèse and the new dauphin, Louis-Charles. Tourzel was a much better choice than Polignac, for she was devoutly religious, discreet, loyal and disciplined. Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... Charles X, King of France and of Navarre ( October 9, 1757 – November 6, 1836) was born at the Palace of Versailles. ... Yolande Martine Gabrielle de Polastron, comtesse de Polignac (September 8, 1749 - December 9, 1793) was a French aristocrat and friend of Marie Antoinette, whom she first met at Versailles in 1775. ... The Swiss Confederation or Switzerland is a landlocked federal state in Europe, with neighbours Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. ... Louise-Elisabeth, Marquise de Tourzel (1749 - 1830) A French aristocrat and courtier. ... Marie-Thérèse-Charlotte, ( December 20, 1778 - October 19, 1851), also known as La Princesse Royale or Madame Royale, was the eldest child of King Louis XVI and his Austrian wife, Queen Marie Antoinette. ... Louis XVII of France (March 27, 1785 - June 8, 1795) also known as Louis-Charles, Duke of Normandy (1785-1789), Louis-Charles, Dauphin of Viennois (1789-1791), and Louis-Charles, Prince Royal of France (1791-1793), was the son of King Louis XVI of France and Marie Antoinette, who never...

Marie-Antoinette hoped to flee also. She felt it was unwise to remain so close to Paris during the current troubles. She hoped that the King would give orders for them to move to their château at Saint-Cloud or even to another royal home at Compiègne. The Queen's things were already packed, and so were her children's, however Louis decided that they would stay at Versailles. The Queen could not disobey her husband and she refused to leave him. The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... Versailles, formerly the capital city of the kingdom of France, is now a wealthy suburb of Paris and is still an important administrative and judicial center. ...

Later, Louis XVI would realise what a mistake he had made in not leaving Palace of Versailles when he had the chance. His decision to remain at the palace would condemn his entire family to intense suffering and trauma in the years ahead. Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... Versailles: Louis Le Vau opened up the interior court to create the expansive entrance cour dhonneur, later copied all over Europe The Château de Versailles — often called the Palace of Versailles, or simply Versailles — is a royal château, outside the gates of which the village of Versailles, France, has...

The fall of Versailles

It was few months before news arrived that a mob from Paris had taken the decision to march on Versailles. Rumours had spread in the city that the royals were hoarding all the grain. News reached the Palace on October 5th, with Marie-Antoinette once again repeating her plea that they flee. The King refused. The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... Versailles, formerly the capital city of the kingdom of France, is now a wealthy suburb of Paris and is still an important administrative and judicial center. ...

Since she was aware that she was the most unpopular member of the Royal Family, Marie-Antoinette chose to sleep on her own that evening. She left strict instructions with the Marquise de Tourzel that she was to take the children straight to the King if there were any disturbances. Louise-Elisabeth, Marquise de Tourzel (1749 - 1830) A French noblewoman and courtier. ...

In the early hours of the morning, the mob broke into the palace. The Queen's Guards were massacred. She and her ladies-in-waiting only narrowly escaped with their lives before the crowd burst in and ransacked her chambers. They made to the centre of the palace; the King's Bedchamber. The King's younger sister, Princess Elisabeth, was already there. The two children arrived and the doors were locked. Élisabeth Philippine Marie Hélène of France (May 3, 1764 - May 10, 1794), commonly called Madame Élisabeth, was the daughter of Louis, dauphin de France and Marie-Josèphe of Saxony, and the younger sister of King Louis XVI. The princess was born at Versailles in 1764. ...

By this time, a large crowd had gathered in the palace's courtyard and were demanding that the Queen come to the balcony. She appeared in her night-robe, accompanied by her two children. The crowd demanded that the two children be sent back inside. So the Queen stood alone for almost ten minutes, whilst many in the crowd pointed muskets at her. She then bowed her head and returned inside. Some in the mob were so impressed by her bravery that they cried "Vive la Reine!" ("Long live the Queen!")

The Royals were forced to return with the mob to Paris. They were taken to the dilapidated Tuileries Palace, which had last been used during the reign of Louis XIV. The Marquis de la Fayette, a liberal aristocrat who had embraced many American ideas when he fought for George Washington, was placed in charge of the Royal Family's security. When he met the Queen he bluntly told her, "Your Majesty is a prisoner. Yes, it's true. Since Her Majesty no longer has her Guard of Honour, she is a prisoner." Other royal "prisoners" included Louis XVI's sister, Elisabeth, and his other brother – the Comte de Provence. The Princesse de Lamballe had refused to abandon Marie-Antoinette, as had the Marquise de Tourzel and several other royal servants. The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... Up to 1871 the Tuileries Palace was a palace in Paris, France, on the right bank of the River Seine. ... Louis XIV King of France and Navarre By Hyacinthe Rigaud (1701) Louis XIV (Louis-Dieudonné) (September 5, 1638–September 1, 1715) reigned as King of France and King of Navarre from May 14, 1643 until his death. ... Order: 1st President Vice President: John Adams Term of office: April 30, 1789 – March 3, 1797 Preceded by: None Succeeded by: John Adams Date of birth: February 22, 1732 Place of birth: Westmoreland, Virginia Date of death: December 14, 1799 Place of death: Mount Vernon, Virginia First Lady: Martha Washington... Louis XVIII (November 17, 1755 - September 16, 1824) was King of France from 1814 (although he declared that he considered his reign to have begun in 1795) until his death in 1824. ... Portrait of Princesse de Lamballe Marie Thérèse Louise de Savoie-Carignan, princesse de Lamballe (September 8, 1749 - September 3, 1792), was one of the best-known victims of the French Revolution. ... Louise-Elisabeth, Marquise de Tourzel (1749 - 1830) A French aristocrat and courtier. ...

Desperate to re-assure her friends, Marie-Antoinette sent a short note to the Austrian Ambassador saying, "I'm fine, don't worry." When she appeared in public she appeared calm, serene and dignified. Yet, beneath the façade she was suffering intense trauma. She knew that she had narrowly escaped with her life during the siege of the palace; she also knew that she was under virtual house arrest and that the French Monarchy was facing the greatest crisis of its existence.

A republican monarchy?

From the beginning of the Revolution, Marie-Antoinette remained sceptical about the chances of a compromise. However, she was not yet prepared to give up all hope of a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Certain republicans, like Antoine Barnave, were moved by her plight and many more were thoroughly impressed by her dignity. The Comte de Mirabeau, who she despised, told many people how impressed he was with the queen's courage and "manly" strength of character. Antoine Pierre Joseph Marie Barnave (October 22, 1761 - November 29, French politician, one of the greatest orators of the first French Revolution. ... Portrait of Mirabeau by Joseph Boze Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, Comte de Mirabeau, (often referred to simply as Mirabeau) (March 9, 1749 - April 2, 1791) was a French writer, popular orator and statesman. ...

Trying to re-establish normality, Marie-Antoinette began inviting charitable commissions to the Tuileries and continued her generous patronage and desire to alleviate the suffering of the poor children of Paris. She also spent as much time as possible with her children, particularly Louis-Charles whom she affectionately nicknamed mon chou d'amour. The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... Louis XVII of France (March 27, 1785 - June 8, 1795) also known as Louis-Charles, Duke of Normandy (1785-1789), Louis-Charles, Dauphin of Viennois (1789-1791), and Louis-Charles, Prince Royal of France (1791-1793), was the son of King Louis XVI of France and Marie Antoinette, who never...

Public hatred against the Queen was so intense that she had to attend her daughter's first Communion in disguise. The traditional gift for a Princess upon her first Communion was a set of magnificent diamonds, but both Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette decided it would be better that Marie-Thérèse go without the diamonds than the people go without bread. Marie-Thérèse-Charlotte, ( December 20, 1778 - October 19, 1851), also known as La Princesse Royale or Madame Royale, was the eldest child of King Louis XVI and his Austrian wife, Queen Marie Antoinette. ... A scattering of round-brilliant cut diamonds shows off the many reflecting facets. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ...

Meanwhile, the National Assembly was drawing up a new constitution which would turn France into a constitutional monarchy. Catherine the Great wrote to Marie-Antoinette from Russia, telling her that the royals should ignore the complaints of their people "as the moon goes on its course without being stopped by the cries of dogs." Louis's sister, Elisabeth, was even more vocal in her hatred of the new system. Elisabeth, like her exiled brother Charles d'Artois was so horrified with the French Revolution, that she believed a civil war was inevitable. The National Assembly is the name of either a legislature, or the lower house of a bicameral legislature in some countries. ... Catherine II (Екатерина II Алексеевна: Yekaterína II Alekséyevna, April 21, 1729 - November 6, 1796), born Sophie Augusta Fredericka, known as Catherine the Great, reigned as empress of Russia from June 28, 1762, to her death on November 6, 1796. ... The Russian Federation (Russian: Росси́йская Федера́ция, transliteration: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya or Rossijskaja Federacija), or Russia (Russian: Росси́я, transliteration: Rossiya or Rossija), is a country that stretches over a vast expanse of eastern Europe and northern Asia. ... Élisabeth Philippine Marie Hélène of France (May 3, 1764 - May 10, 1794), commonly called Madame Élisabeth, was the daughter of Louis, dauphin de France and Marie-Josèphe of Saxony, and the younger sister of King Louis XVI. The princess was born at Versailles in 1764. ... Charles X, King of France and of Navarre ( October 9, 1757 – November 6, 1836) was born at the Palace of Versailles. ... The period of the French Revolution in the history of France covers the years between 1789 and 1799, in which democrats and republicans overthrew the absolute monarchy and the Roman Catholic Church was forced to undergo radical restructuring. ...

On 14 July 1790, the Royal Family had to attend festivities to celebrate the first anniversary of the fall of the Bastille. The Queen dutifully attended, even though she described the celebrations as symbolising "everything that is most cruel and sorrowful". The King's ultra-liberal cousin, Philippe, duc d'Orléans returned from England and publicly proclaimed his support for the revolutionaries. His hatred for Marie-Antoinette was extreme and she believed that he was fomenting the Revolution in order to seize the crown for himself. Ultra-royalists even whispered that the duc d'Orléans had orchestrated the siege of Versailles in the hope of having Marie-Antoinette assassinated. The duke enjoyed enormous popular support amongst the people of Paris, although his Scottish mistress Grace Elliott was a secret royalist, who later admitted to having gone to Belgium on a secret mission for the queen. She carried messages to baron de Breteuil, who was now acting as Louis and Antoinette's secret Prime Minister-in-exile. With Louis now suffering from periodic depression and chronic lethargy, Marie-Antoinette had taken it upon herself to appointing Breteuil. It is generally believed that she forged the official document appointing Breteuil and passed it off as the king's own handwriting. July is the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1790 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Louis-Philippe-Joseph dOrléans, by Antoine-François Callet. ... Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right) Englands location within the UK Official language English de facto Capital London de facto Largest city London Area  - Total Ranked 1st UK 130,395 km² Population  - Total (2001)  - Density Ranked 1st UK 49,138,831 377/km² Religion... Versailles: Louis Le Vau opened up the interior court to create the expansive entrance cour dhonneur, later copied all over Europe The Château de Versailles — often called the Palace of Versailles, or simply Versailles — is a royal château, outside the gates of which the village of Versailles, France, has... The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... Scotland (Alba in Scottish Gaelic) is a country or nation and former independent kingdom of northwest Europe, and one of the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom. ... Grace Elliott , Grace Dalrymple Elliott (1754? - 1823) was a British courtesan who was resident in France at the time of the French Revolution and an eyewitness to events. ... The Kingdom of Belgium (Dutch: Koninkrijk België, French: Royaume de Belgique, German: Königreich Belgien) is a country in Western Europe, bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, and the North Sea. ... Louis-Auguste le Tonnelier Louis-Auguste le Tonnelier, baron de Breteuil (1730 _ 1807) was a French aristocrat, statesman and politician. ...

Any hope of a compromise between the royals and the revolutionaries ended with the creation of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy in 1790. This was a republican attack on the privileges and ancient practises of the Roman Catholic Church. When news was delivered to the Royal Family, Marie-Antoinette whispered to the Marquise de Tourzel, "The Church. The Church... we're next." The law of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy (Fr. ... 1790 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... The Roman Catholic Church is the largest religious denomination of Christianity with over one billion members. ... Louise-Elisabeth, Marquise de Tourzel (1749 - 1830) A French aristocrat and courtier. ...

By 1791, both the King and the Queen had now come to the conclusion that the Revolution was going to destroy France. They came to the decision to flee to Montmédy, a royalist stronghold in the east of France. There they would gather their supporters and any foreign assistance they could gather (Marie-Antoinette's brother Leopold II, the Russian empress, the King of Sweden and the King of Prussia had all promised military aid.) They hoped that once they had escaped they would be able to negotiate with the revolutionaries, but they were now quite prepared to use force to stop them. 1791 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... The French Republic or France (French: République française or France) is a country whose metropolitan territory is located in western Europe, and which is further made up of a collection of overseas islands and territories located in other continents. ... Leopold II can refer to: Leopold II of Austria Leopold II of Belgium Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Catherine II (Екатерина II Алексеевна: Yekaterína II Alekséyevna, April 21, 1729 - November 6, 1796), born Sophie Augusta Fredericka, known as Catherine the Great, reigned as empress of Russia from June 28, 1762, to her death on November 6, 1796. ... Gustav III (13 January 1746 (O.S.) (24 January 1746 (N.S.))–March 29, 1792) was the King of Sweden from February 12, 1771 until his death. ... Frederick William II (September 25, 1744 - November 16, 1797), king of Prussia, was known in German as Friedrich Wilhelm II. Frederick William II of Prussia Frederick William was the son of Augustus William (the second son of King Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia) and of Louise Amalie of Brunswick-L...

The royals' escape was foiled at the town of Varennes and they were forced back to Paris by local republicans. They were returned to the Tuileries Palace, but hysteria against them had now reached fever-pitch. When the duke of Brunswick issued a manifesto threatening Paris with destruction if the Royal Family were harmed, reaction in Paris was swift and brutal. Rather than heeding the Manifesto, the revolutionaries were enraged by it and they attacked the Tuileries on August 10th 1792. Varennes or Varennes-en-Argonne is a city in the French département of Meuse. ... The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... This article needs cleanup. ... The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... August is the eighth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1792 was a leap year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

Marie-Antoinette's initial decision was to stand and face the mob, even if it meant doing it on her own. However, her ladies-in-waiting begged her to think of her children and she reluctantly agreed to accompany the King and his entourage when they fled the palace for the National Assembly. The Palace was invaded in their absence and the Swiss Guard were massacred. The Governor of the Tuileries, the Marquis de Champcenetz, managed to escape the mob despite incurring heavy wounds. He was sentenced to death by the revolutionaries but managed to escape Paris with the help of Mrs. Elliott. The National Assembly is the name of either a legislature, or the lower house of a bicameral legislature in some countries. ... The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... Grace Elliott , Grace Dalrymple Elliott (1754? - 1823) was a British courtesan who was resident in France at the time of the French Revolution and an eyewitness to events. ...

Louis XVI was arrested by the republicans on 13th August and just over a month later, on September 21st, they abolished the Monarchy. The Royal Family were then moved to the foreboding Temple Fortress and imprisoned. The King, Queen, their two children and Louis's sister Elisabeth were heavily guarded, lest they were rescued by royalists. Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... August is the eighth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... September is the ninth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of four Gregorian months with the length of 30 days. ...

After they had been imprisoned, Paris erupted into violence. The mob invaded the prisons and massacred anyone suspected of royalist leanings. Marie-Antoinette's dearest friend, Princesse de Lamballe was captured and told to repudiate her oath of loyalty to the Queen. When she refused, she was murdered by repeated hammer-blows to the head. Her body was then torn apart and her head placed on a pike. It was taken to Marie-Antoinette's window and displayed outside it. When the Queen saw this horrific sight, she collapsed to the ground in a dead faint. Portrait of Princesse de Lamballe Marie Thérèse Louise de Savoie-Carignan, princesse de Lamballe (September 8, 1749 - September 3, 1792), was one of the best-known victims of the French Revolution. ...

Louis was tried for treason on December 11th. He was condemned to death on January 17th. He was betrayed by his cousin, the duc d'Orléans, who (as Marie-Antoinette had always suspected) turned traitor by voting for Louis's death. He was allowed one last farewell supper with his family and he urged his young son not to seek vengeance for his death. The Queen spent the next few hours huddled against her husband, clutching their son. Marie-Thérèse sobbed hysterically, whilst Princess Elisabeth clung to her brother. Louis was taken to the guillotine the next day. When she heard the crowds cheer at his death, Marie-Antoinette collapsed to the ground unable to speak. In law, treason is the crime of disloyalty to ones nation. ... January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... Louis XVII of France (March 27, 1785 - June 8, 1795) also known as Louis-Charles, Duke of Normandy (1785-1789), Louis-Charles, Dauphin of Viennois (1789-1791), and Louis-Charles, Prince Royal of France (1791-1793), was the son of King Louis XVI of France and Marie Antoinette, who never... Marie-Thérèse-Charlotte, ( December 20, 1778 - October 19, 1851), also known as La Princesse Royale or Madame Royale, was the eldest child of King Louis XVI and his Austrian wife, Queen Marie Antoinette. ... Élisabeth Philippine Marie Hélène of France (May 3, 1764 - May 10, 1794), commonly called Madame Élisabeth, was the daughter of Louis, dauphin de France and Marie-Josèphe of Saxony, and the younger sister of King Louis XVI. The princess was born at Versailles in 1764. ...

Imprisonment

Marie-Antoinette did not ever truly recover from her husband's death. According to her daughter, "She no longer had any hope left in her heart or distinguished between life and death." She began to suffer from convulsions and fainting fits. She also lost her appetite and lost an enormous amount of weight.

The Conciergerie Prison where Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned before her death

On the night of July 3rd 1793, commissioners arrived in the Royal Family's cell with instructions to separate Marie-Antoinette's son from the rest of his family. He had been proclaimed Louis XVII by exiled royalists after his father's death. The Republican government had therefore decided to imprison the eight-year-old child in solitary confinement. Louis-Charles flung himself into his mother's arms crying hysterically and Marie-Antoinette shielded him with her body, refusing to give him up. When the commissioners threatened to kill her if she did not hand the child over, she still refused to move. It was only when they threatened to kill Marie-Thérèse that she came to realise how hopeless the situation was. Two hours after the commissioners had entered her room, Marie-Antoinette had to say goodbye to her beloved son. The Palais de Justice, the Conciergerie and the Tour de lHorloge, after 1858 - by Adrien Dauzats The two-dimensional work of art depicted in this image is in the public domain in the United States and in those countries with copyright terms of life of the author plus 70... The Palais de Justice, the Conciergerie and the Tour de lHorloge, after 1858 - by Adrien Dauzats The two-dimensional work of art depicted in this image is in the public domain in the United States and in those countries with copyright terms of life of the author plus 70... The Palais de Justice, the Conciergerie and the Tour de lHorloge, after 1858 - by Adrien Dauzats The Conciergerie is a former prison in Paris, located on the west of the Île de la Cité, near the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. ... July is the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1793 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Louis XVII of France (March 27, 1785 - June 8, 1795) also known as Louis-Charles, Duke of Normandy (1785-1789), Louis-Charles, Dauphin of Viennois (1789-1791), and Louis-Charles, Prince Royal of France (1791-1793), was the son of King Louis XVI of France and Marie Antoinette, who never... Marie-Thérèse-Charlotte, ( December 20, 1778 - October 19, 1851), also known as La Princesse Royale or Madame Royale, was the eldest child of King Louis XVI and his Austrian wife, Queen Marie Antoinette. ...

She would never see him again.

At two o'clock in the morning of 2nd August 1793, Marie-Antoinette was awoken by guards and told to get dressed. She was taken away from her daughter and sister-in-law and transferred across Paris to the Conciergerie Prison. She was re-named "the Widow Capet," after a very distant common-born ancestor of the Royal Family. She was no longer to be referred to as "Marie-Antoinette" but simply "Antoinette Capet" or "Prisoner No. 280." A young peasant girl, Rosalie Lamorlière, was entrusted to take care of Marie-Antoinette's needs, but these were few since the Queen did not ask for much. August is the eighth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1793 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... The Palais de Justice, the Conciergerie and the Tour de lHorloge, after 1858 - by Adrien Dauzats The Conciergerie is a former prison in Paris, located on the west of the Île de la Cité, near the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. ...

On 2nd September, the republican journalist and politician, Jacques Hébert, told the Committee of Public Safety, "I have promised [my readers] the head of Antoinette. I will go and cut if off myself if there is any delay in giving it to me." Most republicans now felt an intense hatred for her and they were determined to see her dead. Jacques René Hébert Jacques René Hébert (November 15, 1757 - March 24, 1794) was editor of the extreme radical newspaper Le Père Duchesne during the French Revolution. ... The Committee of Public Safety (French: le Haut Comit de la sant publique), set up by the National Convention on April 6, 1793, formed the de facto executive government of France during the Reign of Terror (1793 - 1794) of the French Revolution. ...

She was brought to trial on October 14th. When she entered the courtroom, most people were shocked at her appearance. She was emaciated, prematurely aged, exhausted and care-worn. Forty witnesses were called by the prosecution. Most of the evidence they gave was absurd. They returned to the Affair of the Necklace or alleged that the Queen had plied the Swiss Guard with alcohol during the siege of the palace. The most horrific charges came whenever Hébert accused her of having sexually-abused her own son. When the Queen was pressed to answer this charge she replied, "If I have not replied it is because Nature itself refuses to respond to such a charge laid against a mother." October is the tenth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ...

She was condemned to death for treason on October 15th and escorted back to the Conciergerie. She wrote her final letter, to her sister-in-law Elisabeth. She expressed her love for her friends and family and begged that her children would not seek to avenge her murder. In law, treason is the crime of disloyalty to ones nation. ... October is the tenth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... The Palais de Justice, the Conciergerie and the Tour de lHorloge, after 1858 - by Adrien Dauzats The Conciergerie is a former prison in Paris, located on the west of the Île de la Cité, near the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. ... Élisabeth Philippine Marie Hélène of France (May 3, 1764 - May 10, 1794), commonly called Madame Élisabeth, was the daughter of Louis, dauphin de France and Marie-Josèphe of Saxony, and the younger sister of King Louis XVI. The princess was born at Versailles in 1764. ...

Execution

Marie Antoinette on her way to the guillotine, by Jacques-Louis David, 1793

On the morning of October 16th, a guard arrived to cut her hair and bind her hands behind her back. She was forced into a common, slow-moving cart and paraded through the streets of Paris for over an hour before reaching the Place de la Révolution where the guillotine stood. She stepped lightly down from the cart and stared up at the guillotine. The priest who had accompanied her whispered, "This is the moment, Madame, to arm yourself with courage." Marie-Antoinette turned to look at him and smiled, "Courage? The moment when my troubles are going to end is not the moment when my courage is going to fail me." Download high resolution version (463x633, 64 KB)Marie Antoinette on the Way to the Guillotine, by Jacques-Louis David 1793 Pen and ink, 150 x 100 mm Musée du Louvre, Paris Circumstances how picture was created e. ... Download high resolution version (463x633, 64 KB)Marie Antoinette on the Way to the Guillotine, by Jacques-Louis David 1793 Pen and ink, 150 x 100 mm Musée du Louvre, Paris Circumstances how picture was created e. ... Self portrait Jacques-Louis David (August 30, 1748 - December 29, 1825), most usually known as David (pronounced Dah-veed rather than Day-vid), was a French painter. ... October is the tenth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... Place de la Concorde in 1885 Located at the foot of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France, the Place de la Concorde was designed by Jacques Ange Gabriel in 1755 as a moat-skirted octagon between the Champs-Élysées to the west and the Tuileries Gardens to the... Public guillotining in Lons-le-Saunier, 1878 The guillotine is a machine used for the application of capital punishment by decapitation. ... Public guillotining in Lons-le-Saunier, 1878 The guillotine is a machine used for the application of capital punishment by decapitation. ...

At 12:15 on Wednesday 16th October 1793, Marie-Antoinette's head was taken off by one swish of the guillotine and exhibited to a cheering crowd. Her body was then taken and dumped in an unmarked mass grave in the Rue d'Anjou. October is the tenth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1793 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Public guillotining in Lons-le-Saunier, 1878 The guillotine is a machine used for the application of capital punishment by decapitation. ...

Reputation

Marie-Antoinette went down in history as shallow, weak, self-indulgent and stupid. Only royalists, who saw her as a martyr, viewed her any differently. They later recovered her body and reburied it in the Bourbon dynasty crypt in Paris, they also retrieved the bodies of Louis XVI and Princess Elisabeth (who was executed in 1794). This article or section should include material from France: Wars of Religion - Bourbon Dynasty. ... The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... Élisabeth Philippine Marie Hélène of France (May 3, 1764 - May 10, 1794), commonly called Madame Élisabeth, was the daughter of Louis, dauphin de France and Marie-Josèphe of Saxony, and the younger sister of King Louis XVI. The princess was born at Versailles in 1764. ... 1794 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ...

In recent years, however, this has somewhat changed. In 1933, Stefan Zweig wrote a biography of her Marie-Antoinette: The Portrait of an Ordinary Woman, in which he argued the Queen achieved greatness during the final years of her life thanks to her extraordinary courage. His biography was later made into a hugely successful movie starring Norma Shearer (see below.) 1933 was a common year starting on Sunday (link will take you to calendar). ... Stefan Zweig Stefan Zweig (November 28, 1881 - February 22, 1942) was an Austrian writer. ... Norma Shearer (August 10, 1902 - June 12, 1983) was an American actress born in Montreal, Quebec. ...

French historians, like André Castelot and Évelyne Lever, have generally been more critical in their biographies of Marie-Antoinette; although neither have attacked her with the venom that she received during her lifetime.

The trend in recent years, however, has been to focus on Marie-Antoinette's strengths rather than her weaknesses. Deborah Cadbury, in her biography of Louis XVII, praised Marie-Antoinette's devotion to her family and Munro Price, in his political study on the fall of the French Monarchy, wrote "Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette have often been portrayed as weak and vacillating. Far from it; their policy between 1789 and 1792 was entirely consistent, and highly conservative. They were prepared to die for their beliefs, and ultimately did so." Louis XVII of France (March 27, 1785 - June 8, 1795) also known as Louis-Charles, Duke of Normandy (1785-1789), Louis-Charles, Dauphin of Viennois (1789-1791), and Louis-Charles, Prince Royal of France (1791-1793), was the son of King Louis XVI of France and Marie Antoinette, who never... 1789 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... 1792 was a leap year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

The most thorough biography of Marie-Antoinette has come from British historian, Lady Antonia Fraser. Marie Antoinette: The Journey was first published in 2001 and became an instant best-seller. Plans are now afoot to turn it into a Hollywood movie (see below.) After reading Fraser's book, historian Simon Sebag Montefiore concluded that Marie-Antoinette was "a woman more sinned against than sinning." The Lady Antonia Fraser (born August 27, British author of history and novels, best known for writing biographies. ... 2001 is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Hollywood (disambiguation) Greetings from Hollywood Hollywood is a district of the City of Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., that runs from about Vermont Avenue on the east to just beyond Laurel Canyon Boulevard above Sunset and Crescent Heights Boulevards on the west; the north to...

The only major disagreement amongst modern historians is the role played by the Swedish aristocrat, Count Axel von Fersen. There were unsubstantiated rumours at court that the dashing Fersen was at one time Marie-Antoinette's lover. It is true that the two were very close and that Fersen risked his life many times to try and free her from prison. Some historians, like Evelyn Farr and Antonia Fraser, seem convinced that at one point the two did enjoy a physical relationship. Others remain sceptical, arguing that there is no concrete evidence to support the idea that the two were lovers in the physical sense. The Kingdom of Sweden (Swedish: Konungariket Sverige  listen) is a Nordic country in Scandinavia, in Northern Europe. ... Count Hans Axel von Fersen ( September 4, 1755 - June 20, 1810) was a Swedish statesman. ... The Lady Antonia Fraser (born August 27, British author of history and novels, best known for writing biographies. ...

In a recent survey, Marie-Antoinette was voted the most famous person in French history, eclipsing even Napoleon Bonaparte and coming joint 1st with Joan of Arc and Charles de Gaulle. Bonaparte as general Napoleon Bonaparte ( 15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821) was a general of the French Revolution and was the ruler of France as First Consul (Premier Consul) of the French Republic from November 11, 1799 to May 18, 1804, then as Emperor of the French (Empereur des Français... Image of Joan of Arc, painted between 1450 and 1500 (Centre Historique des Archives Nationales, Paris, AE II 2490). ... Portrait of General Charles de Gaulle. ...

In the movies

Norma Shearer who is still considered the greatest actress to have played Marie-Antoinette

Given that she has become one of the most iconic historical figures, Marie-Antoinette has appeared in many motion pictures. The greatest was Marie Antoinette in 1938, a multi-million dollar MGM studio extravaganza. It was based on Stefan Zweig's biography of Marie-Antoinette. Lasting over three hours and famed for its set designs and costumes, Marie Antoinette became an instant hit. Hollywood legend Norma Shearer starred in the title role. She identified heavily with the role and heavily researched every aspect of Marie-Antoinette's life. Even today, there is still an emotional vibrancy and naturalness to her portrayal of the queen. She was nominated for the Oscar, but controversially lost out to Bette Davis for her role in Jezebel. For many people, Shearer's portrayal remains the definitive screen-version of Marie-Antoinette. In Argentina, the film became the favourite movie of Eva Perón, who so admired Shearer's style that she later dyed her hair blonde. Fair use of an image from: www. ... Fair use of an image from: www. ... 1938 was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... Stefan Zweig Stefan Zweig (November 28, 1881 - February 22, 1942) was an Austrian writer. ... Norma Shearer (August 10, 1902 - June 12, 1983) was an American actress born in Montreal, Quebec. ... This page is about the OSCAR, the communications satellete. ... Ruth Elizabeth Davis (April 5, 1908 – October 6, 1989), better known as Bette Davis, was an Academy Award winning American actress. ... Jezebel is a 1938 film that tells the story of a headstrong young Southern woman during the years prior to the American Civil War, and how her actions cost her the love of the man she truly loves. ... Argentina is a country in southern South America, situated between the Andes in the west and the southern Atlantic Ocean in the east. ... Evitas image appeared on a wide variety of products, including stamps, coins, postcards and calendars. ...

Her character has also appeared in several French-made movies on the life of Madame du Barry and several on the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The Affair of the Diamond Necklace has inspired two movies, the most recent being in 2001. Heavily-romanticised and with the facts distorted to favour the Countess, the film was panned by critics. Joely Richardson played Marie-Antoinette, with Hilary Swank, Jonathan Pryce, Adrien Brody, Brian Cox and Christopher Walken also starring. Madame du Barry (August 19, 1743 - December 8, 1793) was a courtesan who became the mistress of Louis XV of France. ... Bonaparte as general Napoleon Bonaparte ( 15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821) was a general of the French Revolution and was the ruler of France as First Consul (Premier Consul) of the French Republic from November 11, 1799 to May 18, 1804, then as Emperor of the French (Empereur des Français... 2001 is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Joely Richardson (born 9 January 1965) is a British actress, who was born into a theatrical family. ... Hilary Swank (born July 30, 1974 in Lincoln, Nebraska) is an American actress. ... Jonathan Pryce (b. ... Adrien Brody with the Oscar. ... Brian Denis Cox (born June 1, 1946) is a Scottish actor, notable for being the first person to play Hannibal Lecter, a role he took in the Michael Mann film Manhunter (1986). ... Ronald Walken (born March 31, 1943), known professionally as Christopher Walken, is an American film, television, and theatre actor best known for playing menacing or psychologically damaged characters. ...

In 1989, the French historian André Castelot wrote the script for L'Autrichienne (a cruel nickname given to Marie-Antoinette, playing on her Austrian nationality and the French word for "bitch".) The film starred the German-born actress, Ute Lemper, as Marie-Antoinette and the entire script was based on the transcripts of the queen's trial in 1793. 1989 is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1793 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ...

At the moment, US director Sofia Coppola is planning to adapt Antonia Fraser's biography of Marie-Antoinette for the big screen. Filming is set to commence in 2005, with some scenes being shot at the actual Versailles. Kirsten Dunst is set to star as Marie-Antoinette, with Jason Schwartzmann playing Louis XVI and Marianne Faithful playing Marie-Antoinette's mother. Sofia Coppola Sofia Coppola (born May 14, 1971) is an American film director, actress, producer, and writer and is the daughter of director Francis Ford Coppola. ... The Lady Antonia Fraser (born August 27, British author of history and novels, best known for writing biographies. ... 2005 is a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Versailles: Louis Le Vau opened up the interior court to create the expansive entrance cour dhonneur, later copied all over Europe The Château de Versailles — often called the Palace of Versailles, or simply Versailles — is a royal château, outside the gates of which the village of Versailles, France, has... Kirsten Dunst Kirsten Caroline Dunst (born April 30, 1982 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey) is an American actress. ... Jason Schwartzman (born June 26, 1980) is an American actor. ... Louis XVI Louis XVI (August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793), was King of France and Navarre from 1774 until 1791, and then King of the French in 1791-1792. ... Marianne Faithfull on the cover of her album A Secret Life Marianne Faithfull (born December 29, 1946) is a British singer who began her career in 1964 (see 1964 in music) with As Tears Go By, a song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. ...