Guillotined during the French Revolution: a bloody history through 7 severed heads.

The country was ravaged by war, and the bourgeoisie (upper and middle classes) had limited political power. Educated citizens, influenced by the Enlightenment, became disillusioned with the absolutist regime that had lasted for centuries. They decided it was time for a change. Within the various revolutionary governments, different factions rose up, each with their own approaches and definitions of revolution.

The mob attack on the Bastille on July 14, 1789, signaled the beginning of the revolution. Although it was a largely symbolic attack - there were only a few prisoners in the Paris fortress prison - it was seen as an attack on royalty. The king and his family were soon imprisoned, where they faced a deadly fate, just like so many others in France.

This time of nationwide change brought several colorful personalities to public attention - many of whom lost their heads. We tell the stories of some of the key personalities who shaped the Revolution.

Ludovic XVI, August 23, 1754 - January 21, 1793

As a figure of the despicable Ancien Régime, King Louis XVI was blamed for the suffering experienced by the people of France. The split between the monarchy and the working class was huge. In addition, supporting the colonists during the American War of Independence, as well as France's involvement in many other costly wars, led the country into deep debt. But while his people suffered poverty and food shortages, Louis XVI wielded absolute power and brooded in his opulent palace at Versailles. The luxury and indifference of the royal family eventually became too intolerable for the citizens of France.

In an attempt to remedy the financial crisis, Louis agreed to unhappily summon the Council of State-a form of parliament with representatives of the three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the public-for the first time in 175 years.