Died: 21 January 1793
Succeeding Louis XV, his unpopular grandfather, Louis XVI was well aware of the growing discontent of the French population against the absolute monarchy. The first part of his reign is marked by his attempts to reform the kingdom in accordance with the Enlightenment ideals (abolition of torture, abolition of the serfdom, tolerance towards Jews and Protestants, abolition of the Taille etc.). However, Louis XVI failed to impose his will, as his reforms stumbled on the hostility of the nobles.
His father died of lung tuberculosis at age 36 before having a chance to become the next King of France. His mother died shortly from the same illness, leaving Louis August and his siblings orphans. At that time, Louis August was only 13. He was then raised by his grandmother who died the next year.
As he was the oldest man alive of his 7 brothers and sisters, he was destined to become the next King of France.
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