At his trial, revolutionaries referred to deposed Louis XVI with this last name, one used previously for a dynasty
On the February 7, 2025, episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy clue in the category “European History” was:
“At his trial, revolutionaries referred to deposed Louis XVI with this last name, one used previously for a dynasty.”
What is Capet?
During the French Revolution, Louis XVI, the last absolute monarch of France, was overthrown and placed on trial by the National Convention in December 1792. By this time, the monarchy had been formally abolished, and revolutionaries no longer recognized his royal title. Instead, they referred to him as “Citizen Louis Capet,” drawing from the name of the Capetian dynasty, which had ruled France since Hugh Capet ascended to the throne in 987.
Revolutionaries sought to distance the former king from the monarchy, emphasizing that he was no longer a sovereign but merely an ordinary citizen subject to the laws of the new Republic. The use of “Capet” symbolized this shift, as it stripped him of the prestige associated with the Bourbon name, under which he had ruled.
The Capetian Legacy and the Bourbon Line
The name “Capet” was historically significant because it belonged to the first ruling dynasty of France. The Capetian line, beginning with Hugh Capet, established the foundations of the French monarchy and remained in power through successive generations. However, by the time of Louis XVI, France was ruled by the House of Bourbon, a cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty.
Despite the Bourbon kings tracing their lineage back to the Capetians, the name had fallen out of common usage for monarchs. The revolutionaries deliberately revived it to reinforce their belief that Louis XVI was not a rightful king but merely a descendant of an ancient ruling family. This linguistic choice played a crucial role in the rhetoric of the revolution, reinforcing the idea that the monarchy was outdated and had no place in the new Republic.
The Trial and Execution of Louis XVI
Louis XVI was charged with conspiracy and high treason, with the National Convention debating his fate in January 1793. The trial was highly contentious, with some advocating for exile or imprisonment, while others, particularly the radical Jacobins led by Maximilien Robespierre, demanded his execution.
Ultimately, on January 21, 1793, Louis XVI was executed by guillotine in the Place de la Révolution (now Place de la Concorde) in Paris. His death marked a turning point in the revolution, solidifying the Republic’s stance against monarchy and signaling a new era of radical political change. However, it also set off a chain of events that led to internal strife, the Reign of Terror, and, eventually, the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Enduring Symbolism of “Capet”
The use of “Capet” for Louis XVI was not just a matter of semantics; it was a powerful political tool used to redefine his identity. By rejecting his status as “Louis XVI” and referring to him simply as “Louis Capet,” revolutionaries aimed to erase his monarchical legitimacy in the eyes of the people. This rhetorical strategy has had a lasting impact on how the French Revolution and its leaders are remembered.
Today, the trial and execution of Louis XVI remain a defining moment in European history, illustrating the intense political shifts of the late 18th century. The choice to call him “Capet” serves as a reminder of how language can shape historical narratives, reinforcing the revolutionary ideals that sought to break with the past.