What Happened to Louis XVI? A Swift Public Execution

On January 20, 1793, the deputies decreed Louis’ guilt and his punishment by death.

On January 21, 1793, French King Louis XVI made the hour and a half journey through the city of Paris from the Temple, the fortified medieval monastery where he was imprisoned, to the Place de la Révolution, the site of his execution. 

Written by Dr. Elizabeth Bond. Narration by Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle.

Audio production by Scott Sprague and Paul Kotheimer, College of Arts & Sciences Academic Technology Services. Video production by Laura Seeger, Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle and Seth A. Myers.

We thank the Stanton Foundation for their funding of this and other Origins projects. http://thestantonfoundation.org/

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