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Marie Antoinette (1755–1793) was the last Queen of France before the French Revolution, known for her extravagant lifestyle and her ultimate fate during the revolution. Born Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna on November 2, 1755, in Vienna, Austria, she was the daughter of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria and Holy Roman Emperor Francis I. She was a member of the powerful Habsburg dynasty and was married off at the age of 14 to the French Dauphin, Louis-Auguste, who would later become King Louis XVI. Early Life and Marriage Marie Antoinette grew up in the opulent court of Vienna and was raised with a strict education, although she showed little interest in academics. Her marriage to Louis-Auguste in 1770 was a political alliance between Austria and France, meant to strengthen ties between the two nations. The young couple moved to the Palace of Versailles, where Marie Antoinette struggled to adapt to French court life and the rigid etiquette. After several years of marriage, the couple had their first child in 1778, and eventually, they had four children. However, their relationship was often strained, and rumors of her indulgence in gambling, expensive fashion, and luxurious parties began to circulate. Queen of France and Controversy When Louis XVI became king in 1774, Marie Antoinette's influence grew, and she was both admired and criticized for her fashion and charm. However, she became a symbol of royal excess and detachment from the struggles of ordinary French people. The infamous phrase “Let them eat cake” is often incorrectly attributed to her, symbolizing her perceived ignorance of the poor's plight. Her lavish spending, coupled with France's financial crisis, made her a target for public anger. As France’s economy worsened, her extravagant lifestyle became a rallying point for revolutionary fervor. The press depicted her as frivolous and out of touch, calling her "Madame Déficit" for her role in contributing to France's financial collapse. French Revolution and Imprisonment The French Revolution began in 1789, with increasing hostility towards the monarchy. Marie Antoinette attempted to secure foreign support to protect the royal family, but these efforts were largely unsuccessful. In 1791, the royal family tried to flee to Austria in the Flight to Varennes, but they were captured and brought back to Paris. In 1792, the monarchy was officially abolished, and the royal family was imprisoned. King Louis XVI was executed in January 1793, and Marie Antoinette followed later that year. She was subjected to a public trial, accused of treason, and found guilty. On October 16, 1793, she was executed by guillotine at the age of 37. Legacy Marie Antoinette’s life and death have been the subject of much debate and fascination. Some view her as a symbol of the decadence of the monarchy, while others see her as a tragic figure caught up in the upheavals of history. Her life has been dramatized in numerous books, films, and plays, most notably in the film "Marie Antoinette" (2006) directed by Sofia Coppola.
