Marie Antoinette

Born November 2nd, 1755 Vienna, Austria

Executed October 16th, 1793 Paris, France

Her mother promised her to Louis when Marie was only 12-years-old because her older sisters had died from an outbreak of smallpox and her mother was acting queen of Austria.

She was married to him in 1768 without him actually being present. Then in 1770 she was sent to France to have an elaborate ceremony.

During the ceremony a riot broke out that resulted in hundreds of people being trampled.

They were married for 7 years before the marriage was consummated. They then had 4 children right after the other and many thought that the children may not have been Louis’s because of Marie’s interest in other men from her court. 

She was married to King Louis XVI at only 14 years old and since she came from Austria, much of the French population looked at her with suspicion and distaste.

The two of them were only teenagers when they were put in charge.

She also adopted many children during her time as queen and paid their way through schooling.

She also established a home for unwed mothers and picked up medical bills for many families throughout her time as queen. 

She had a love for art and culture which made her spend crazy amounts of money on things like ballgowns, paintings, and other extravagance. She gained a reputation of being spoiled and selfish. 

She continued her irresponsible spending well into the revolution despite the fact that France was deeply in debt. 

At her Revolutionary Tribunal, her young son was forced to accuse her of sexual abuse and incest. 

In April 1792, the Jacobin party declared war on Marie’s home country of Austria which they lost and blamed on her. 

She earned the nickname of “Madame Deficit” because of her spending habits.

Overall, she was hated and criticized more than any other woman in French history. 

And no, she never actually said “Let them eat cake.”