LOUIS XVI

grandson of the preceding, was king of France from 1774-1792. He was a man as distinguished for the purity of his life as Louis XV was noted for debauchery. His special delight was the construction of mechanical toys, such as locks or clocks. In 1770, he married Marie Antoinette, archduchess of Austria. Turgot and Necker, his prime ministers, strove to bring order into French finances. It was during his reign that the French aided the American Revolutionists. When the French Revolution broke out Louis at first appeared to concur with the wishes of the people for a change of government, but, having attempted to escape from the country, he was arrested and thrown into prison. He was guillotined January 21, 1793.

LOUIS XVII was the second son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. On the execution of his father he was the heir to the French throne, which, however, he never occupied. He is called therefore a titular king.