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Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

Caiani, Ambrogio A. (2015) Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. In: Andress, David, ed. The Oxford Handbook of the French Revolution. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp. 311-329. ISBN 978-0-19-963974-8. (doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199639748.013.018) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:49017)

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Abstract

The important role played by Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette in the radicalization of the early phase of the French Revolution has never been in doubt. Most histories continue to focus on the regal couple’s real, and supposed, role in fomenting counter-revolution at home and especially abroad. This chapter engages with the complex question of the dwindling fortunes of Louis XVI’s monarchy from a more domestic angle. It focuses on that neglected, though crucial, year of 1790 which witnessed the failure to erect a viable constitutional settlement. It became impossible to

accommodate both Crown and assembly in a viable working relationship. Essentially, the king’s distrust for the deputies, who had little by little arrogated his remaining powers, proved insurmountable. The monarchy’s passive resistance to the revolution’s early reform programme and political culture became increasingly unpopular. This created a radicalized and tension-filled atmosphere which pushed the revolution into hitherto unexpected directions.

Item Type: Book section
DOI/Identification number: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199639748.013.018
Subjects: D History General and Old World > D History (General)
D History General and Old World > DC France
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Arts and Humanities > School of History
Depositing User: Ambrogio Caiani
Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2015 18:47 UTC
Last Modified: 17 Aug 2022 10:58 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/49017 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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