Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
The French Revolution and Napoleon
Biography
Marie-Antoinette
1755–1793
The Granger Collection, New York
WHY SHE MADE HISTORY MarieAntoinette, Queen of France, was highly
disliked by France’s people. She lived a
lavish lifestyle during a time when France’s
people were starving. Marie-Antoinette
influenced her husband, King Louis XVI, to
maintain the strength of the monarchy.
As you read the biography below, think about what led
to Marie-Antoinette’s demise.
Marie-Antoinette, born in Vienna, Austria, was the daughter of Emperor
Francis I and Empress Maria Theresa. When Marie-Antoinette was fifteen
years old, she married Louis, the heir to the French throne. Just four years
later, in 1774, Louis became King Louis XVI, making Marie-Antoinette
Queen of France.
France was in a state of famine and unrest. There was hope that the
marriage between Marie-Antoinette and Louis would bring a much-needed
alliance between France and Austria, France’s long-time enemy. But
France’s people did not take to the young queen. Marie-Antoinette spent
lavishly on her clothes, belongings, and recreational activities. This made
her unpopular with the public.
It has been written that Marie-Antoinette said of the starving French,
“Let them eat cake.” While there is no proof that the queen uttered these
words, it is believed that Marie-Antoinette did not understand the extent to
which economic problems raged throughout France.
When the French Revolution (1789–1799) began, mobs organized
rebellions throughout France to try to overthrow the monarchy. During this
time, Marie-Antoinette influenced her husband to maintain the power of
the monarchy. After Marie-Antoinette contacted her brother, Emperor
Leopold II of Austria, to help save the monarchy, the people imprisoned
Louis and Marie-Antoinette. In 1792, France’s monarchy was overthrown.
A year later, the people of France guillotined King Louis XVI and MarieAntoinette for treason.
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 20
Modern Era Chapter 6
5
The French Revolution and Napoleon
Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
The French Revolution and Napoleon
Biography
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
1. Recall What were some of the reasons that Marie-Antoinette was so disliked by the
French people?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2. Express and Support a Point of View Do you feel that Marie-Antoinette was justly
criticized by the public? Provide reasons or examples to support your point of view.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
ACTIVITY
Write a short letter that a French revolutionist could have written to MarieAntoinette. Explain what the monarch could do differently to improve the
lives of the French. Write your letter on a separate piece of paper.
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 20
Modern Era Chapter 6
6
The French Revolution and Napoleon