Which king of France was king when the Revolution began and was later executed for treason by radicals?

• A. Louis XV
• B. Napoleon Bonaparte
• C. Louis XVI
• D. Charles X

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is knowing who ruled France when the Revolution started and what happened to that ruler. In 1789 France was under Louis XVI, whose inability to resolve fiscal and political crisis helped spark the Revolution. As the revolution radicalized, he was seen as opposing the people's demands, and in 1793 he was executed by guillotine during the Reign of Terror. Napoleon Bonaparte did not rule as king; he emerged after the Revolution and became Emperor, not monarch, and was not executed by radicals. Louis XV reigned before the Revolution began, so he isn’t the king associated with the Revolution’s start. Charles X came to power after the Revolution in the Bourbon Restoration and was not executed. Louis XVI is the king who began the Revolution and was later executed.