Louis XVI was partially to blame for the downfall of the monarchy and was used as a scapegoat for the political, economic and social problems that was already existing in France, however Louis XVI exacerbated these problems. The most fundamental reason for the downfall of the monarchy was due to the financial situation of France in 1789 although this was not solely his responsibility as he inherited this debt when he came to power. However there were many other interconnecting factors that also contributed to the downfall of Louis XVI.
The most fundamental reason for the fall of the monarchy was due to the financial situation of France in 1789. Although the debt of France cannot solely be pinned of Louis XVI as he inherited the debts of the war of the Spanish, Polish, Austrian, and the Seven Year War; which put a huge financial strain on the country. However he handled the situation terribly leading to even more severe debt therefore angering the third estate due to the burden of taxes. Jacques Necker published the Compte Rendu which was the first ever publication of the Royal accounts in 1781. Necker coincided with the American War of Independence and therefore used the Compte Rendu as a publication measure to make it appear that the Royal finances was actually a 10 million levres surplus. This led to reassurance from to lenders in order to receive further loans, additionally this made him significantly popular with the third estate and due to the surplus could continue the taxation. However Charles de Calonne who became Controller-general of finance in 1783 believed that the Compte Rendu had worsened the economic state as it suggests that there was surplus although the reality was an annual deficit of 100 million levres. Making the monarchy lose increasing support. .
The political spectrum was domination by Louis XVI as he was sovereign. Due to his strength in authority he became responsible for his own downfall as he took for granted his power as his administration system was chaotic and nepotistic.
