- Public Distrust and Unpopularity: Louis XVI was perceived as a weak and indecisive ruler who displayed poor leadership during turbulent times. His reluctance to adopt reforms, perceived extravagance, and association with the unpopular Queen Marie Antoinette eroded his public image and led to widespread discontent among the French people.
- Political Radicalization: The French Revolution saw the rise of radical factions, particularly the Jacobins, who advocated for the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. They criticized Louis XVI for colluding with foreign powers and attempting to restore absolute power. The radicalization of the revolution created an atmosphere where calls for the king's execution became increasingly influential.
- Trial and Verdict: In December 1792, Louis XVI stood trial before the National Convention. He was accused of conspiracy against public liberty and safety and of treason. Despite defending himself, the Convention, dominated by radical elements, voted by a narrow majority to sentence him to death.
- Popular Pressure and Fear of Royalist Counterrevolution: The execution was influenced by fears that the king might attempt to regain power, potentially triggering a counterrevolution backed by foreign monarchies. The Jacobins argued that the king's execution was necessary to prevent a violent backlash and to consolidate the revolution's gains.
- Symbolic Value of Regicide: The execution of Louis XVI was seen as a symbolic act that signified the end of the monarchy and the establishment of a new republican order in France. It sent a powerful message to other European monarchies, signaling the radical nature of the French Revolution and challenging traditional views of royal authority.