Antonia Fraser’s biography of Marie Antoinette gives an overall sympathetic look at these events.
The monarchy was locked in traditions and expectations that I had never considered. One gets the impression, in reading this book, that these two individuals were decent human beings, who, if given a choice, would have chosen not to be royalty.
Louis and Marie were enlightened and exemplary Christans who behaved unusually charitably towards the poor.
Nevertheless, they were the target of numerous false rumors and intrigues, -—”Let them eat cake” being but one example of the fake news of the day-—and once mob rule got the upper hand, they had no choice but to flee for their lives—which in turn only confirmed their guilt, in the minds of the mob.
The specific charges against them, for which they were beheaded, were outrageous fabrications of a sexual nature-—palace orgies and such-—for which the evidence of untruth was abundant.
Exactly! Thank you for your erudite analysis.
They could have abdicated and renounced the throne and created a republic....and got a job.