Louis XVI was the King of France from 1774 until his deposition in 1792. He was born on August 23, 1754, and became king at a young age. His reign was marked by financial difficulties, social unrest, and the growing influence of the Enlightenment ideas, which challenged traditional authority. As the French Revolution began, Louis XVI struggled to maintain control and was eventually arrested. In 1793, he was tried for treason and executed by guillotine. His death marked a significant turning point in the revolution, leading to the rise of the First French Republic.