Marie Antoinette: Research Paper
Melissa Arias
Alma Aguilar
Political Science 101
24 September 2012 Marie Antoinette "Let them eat cake" is probably one of the most recited quotes around the world, which is known to be spoken by the last Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. Although often reffered to as "The Party Queen" or in other words, the Queen who danced while her people starved. But what many fail to recognize is the fact that Marie Antoinette was the Queen who cared for her people. The only think she cared for more than the welfare of her people, was the welfare of her children. In order for one to understand and have the ability to fully understand the French Revolution, and Monarchy, one must go back and analyze Marie Antoinette's personal background, her political contributions and achievements, and her political influences. Personal Background Marie Antoinette (Archduchess Maria Antonia of Austria) was born in Vienna, Austria on November 2nd, 1755. "She was the fifteenth child, and eleventh (and last) daughter of the Emperor Francis 1st of Lorraine and Maria Theresa of Austria, at the head of the Habsburg dynasty"(Moore 3). Francis 1st died in August 1765, leaving his wife and his elder son to co-rule his empire. "To promote diplomatic relationships with France, Marie Antoinette was asked to marry Louis Auguste, the Dauphin of France" (Campan 3).With the conclusion of the Seven Years' War in 1763, an alliance between Austria and France became a priority for Empress Maria Theresa; cementing alliances through matrimonial connections was a common practice among European royal families at the time. In 1765, the son of French Emperor Louis XV, Louis Ferdinand, died, leaving his 11-year-old grandson Louis Auguste heir to the French throne. Within months, Marie Antoinette and Louis Auguste were pledged to marry each other. A child of only 14 years,
Alma Aguilar
Political Science 101
24 September 2012 Marie Antoinette "Let them eat cake" is probably one of the most recited quotes around the world, which is known to be spoken by the last Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. Although often reffered to as "The Party Queen" or in other words, the Queen who danced while her people starved. But what many fail to recognize is the fact that Marie Antoinette was the Queen who cared for her people. The only think she cared for more than the welfare of her people, was the welfare of her children. In order for one to understand and have the ability to fully understand the French Revolution, and Monarchy, one must go back and analyze Marie Antoinette's personal background, her political contributions and achievements, and her political influences. Personal Background Marie Antoinette (Archduchess Maria Antonia of Austria) was born in Vienna, Austria on November 2nd, 1755. "She was the fifteenth child, and eleventh (and last) daughter of the Emperor Francis 1st of Lorraine and Maria Theresa of Austria, at the head of the Habsburg dynasty"(Moore 3). Francis 1st died in August 1765, leaving his wife and his elder son to co-rule his empire. "To promote diplomatic relationships with France, Marie Antoinette was asked to marry Louis Auguste, the Dauphin of France" (Campan 3).With the conclusion of the Seven Years' War in 1763, an alliance between Austria and France became a priority for Empress Maria Theresa; cementing alliances through matrimonial connections was a common practice among European royal families at the time. In 1765, the son of French Emperor Louis XV, Louis Ferdinand, died, leaving his 11-year-old grandson Louis Auguste heir to the French throne. Within months, Marie Antoinette and Louis Auguste were pledged to marry each other. A child of only 14 years,
Bibliography: Barker, Nancy. "Let Them Eat Cake: The Mythical Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution." Historian (Summer 1993): 709-25. Madame Campan. Memoirs of Marie Antoinette. N.p.: Barker, n.d. Memoirs of Marie Antoinette. Web. 01 Sept. 2012. . "Marie Antoinette Biography." Marie Antoinette Biography. N.p., 01 July 2012. Web. 25 Aug. 2012. . Moore, Marianne. "Marie Antoinette." New World Encyclopedia. N.p., 03 Apr. 2007. Web. 01 Sept. 2012. .