Interpretations of the Execution of Louis XVI
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This worksheet examines different historical interpretations of the execution of Louis XVI during the French Revolution, encouraging students to compare perspectives and evaluate their validity.
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Interpretations of the Execution of Louis XVI
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Contrasting Historian Perspectives on the Execution of Louis XVI
Historian A: Robert Darnton – Political Perspective
'The execution of Louis XVI was a pivotal act that symbolized the radical turn of the Revolution. Darnton argues that it was driven by political necessity, as the revolutionaries sought to eradicate monarchy and establish a republic. He emphasizes the importance of the political climate, including fears of counter-revolution, which justified the king's execution as a means of securing revolutionary gains and ensuring the survival of the new regime.'
Historian B: Lynn Hunt – Social Perspective
'The execution of Louis XVI reflected deeper social upheavals and the breakdown of traditional social hierarchies. Hunt views it as a symbol of the revolutionary desire to reshape society, not just politically but socially. The king’s death was a sign of the populist rejection of monarchy and aristocracy, representing a broader social transformation aimed at creating equality and justice for ordinary citizens.'
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Details
- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet