CCALS Lecture: Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

In september, Professor William Doyle gave a fantastic lecture on Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette before the outbreak of the French revolution in July 1789.

It was a well received academic lecture which fitted in with what the Lower Sixth have been studying in their lessons as well as what some of the Upper Sixth had chosen for their coursework.

His premise that Louis XVI’s absolutism weakened him, since all the decisions ( or lack of decisions) he made, rested on him alone. Professor Doyle also pointed out that it was his actions during the revolution, and not prior to it that turned France into a republican state.

His knowledge about the intricacies of the triggers that caused revolution was fascinating and we were very privileged to have him come and speak at school.