Because of her Austrian heritage she was not readily accepted. Her actions and activities were viewed with suspicion and criticism.
Not getting pregnant. Hatred of the French. Rumors about her throughout France. Maybe gambling?
"What Ever Happened" by The Strokes
Marquis de Lafayette had four children: Henriette, Georges Washington, Anastasie, and Marie-Antoinette. Henriette was his eldest daughter, while Georges was named after his friend, George Washington. Anastasie and Marie-Antoinette were also daughters, with Marie-Antoinette being named after the queen of France. Lafayette's family played a significant role in his life and legacy.
King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine 21 January 1793 as "Citoyen Louis Capet". Marie Antoinette was executed on 16 October 1793
Marie Antoinette's life at La Petit Trianon was only private to her circle of chosen members of court. The entire complex of Versailles is walled off and guarded, so that no un-invited person could attend her while she held court there.
Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette enjoyed a lavish lifestyle that included hosting extravagant parties and balls at the Palace of Versailles. They were known for their love of the arts, particularly music and theater, and often attended performances. Marie Antoinette also had a passion for fashion and extravagant clothing, while Louis XVI had an interest in hunting and woodworking. Together, they indulged in the pleasures of court life, often seeking to escape the pressures of their royal responsibilities.
During the French Revolution, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were arrested and eventually executed. Louis XVI was tried for treason and guillotined on January 21, 1793, while Marie Antoinette faced a similar fate, being executed on October 16, 1793. Their deaths marked a significant turning point in the revolution, symbolizing the end of the monarchy and the rise of republican ideals in France.
Peasants of the French Revolution were angry at Marie Antoinette because they felt she controlled Louis - the current king - and that she had too much of a say in the welfare and running of the country. She was easy to hate, after all she had been born an Austrian.
Mozart. As a child he came to the Vienese court with his father to play for the royal family. While he walked up to the piano, he slipped on the waxed floor. Marie Antoinette felt sorry for him, so she ran towards him and helped him get up. He was so gratefull that he told he that when he would be old enough, he would like to marry her.
Before the French Revolution, sentiments towards Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI were mixed. While some admired their royal status and opulence, many others grew frustrated with their extravagant lifestyle amid widespread poverty and economic hardship in France. Marie Antoinette, in particular, faced significant criticism for her perceived indifference to the plight of the common people, leading to her infamous reputation. Overall, a growing discontent with the monarchy contributed to the revolutionary fervor that ultimately led to their downfall.
While the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, Marie Antoinette was at the Palace of Versailles, where she was reportedly alarmed by the unfolding events in Paris. Though her exact actions during the storming are not well-documented, she was concerned about the increasing unrest and the potential implications for the monarchy. In the days leading up to the storming, she and King Louis XVI were aware of the growing discontent among the French populace and were trying to maintain control over the situation.
Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, was not particularly interested in political affairs. Her primary focus was on social life and personal interests, often engaging in lavish entertainment and fashion rather than governance. While she held influence as queen and was involved in some political decisions, her lack of deep political engagement contributed to her unpopularity and the perception that she was disconnected from the struggles of the French people.