Archive for June, 2008
What Life Did Marie Antoinette Lead
June 16th, 2008
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Question: What effect did the media have on Marie Antoinette?
I want to know how the French press tarnished Marie Antoinette's reputation, leading to the French Revolution. Some examples from her life/history would be nice.
Answer: The most important thing to consider about the French press in the 18th century is that, unlike today where we can access information instantaneously, communication was significantly slower in Marie Antoinette's day. So, once something was put out into public, whether it was true or not, it was almost impossible to retract/amend.
The most damaging publications for Marie Antoinette were the infamous "libelles," which were the 18th century equivalents of political cartoons. As her reign continued, the libelles became increasingly more vile and vindictive, often portraying Marie as a lesbian, involved in orgies, and a molester - among other things. And since Marie couldn't just hop on the television and give a press speech, the libelles were free to paint her as whatever kind of Queen they wanted her to be.
As the people of France became increasingly more dissatisfied with the monarchy and particularly their perception of the Queen, Marie Antoinette did commission several portraits of herself along side her children in an attempt to show her more mature, motherly nature as opposed to the (commonly exaggerated) extravagance of her youth. But as we know, these portraits were to no avail; she was still beheaded for being a person she was not.
The power of the French press during Marie's time shouldn't be underestimated, because even today, many of the attitudes and beliefs propagated by the libelles persist. The famous line, "Let them eat cake" for example; Antoinette never uttered those words and in fact they have been attributed to numerous Queen's throughout history.
Marie Antoinette only had a reputation because of the French press and it had always been rather unbecoming. Even upon her arrival from Austria at 14, she was immediately labeled "The Austrian" and mocked. Ultimately, she was a victim of gossip - spread by the French press.
Marie Antoinette, Princesse Lamballe, Duchesse de Polignac - Beautiful, Dirty, Rich
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Execution Of Marie Antoinette
June 15th, 2008
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Question: Who took control of France after the execution of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI? :]?
During the French Revolution
Answer: M Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre
Most just call him Robespierre, and he was behind the Reign of Terror--just after him Napoleon Bonaparte comes to power.
The Scarlet Pimpernel - Ca Ira
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