To what extent was Louis XVI responsible for the end of the monarchy in 1792?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the view that the actions of Louis XVI caused the collapse of the monarchy. Some may choose to set their responses within the context of Louis’ reign with some discussion of the causes of the 1789 Revolution and argue for or against Louis’ responsibility for these problems. Some may argue that his actions during the constitutional period were contributory factors to the end of the monarchy. Louis reluctantly agreed to his power being limited by the 1791 Constitution. The flight to Varennes in June 1791 caused much hostility towards the monarchy. Others could argue that the radicalization of the revolution was caused by the financial crisis and the fear of invasion and this had little to do with Louis, who was virtually powerless by then. Radicalization led to the Jacobin coup of August 1792 and the election of the republican-dominated National Convention which made the end of the monarchy much more likely. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the view that the actions of Louis XVI caused the collapse of the monarchy in 1792. Some candidates were able to draw on a wide range of knowledge about Louis XVI, especially in the 1770s and 1780s and argued for or against his responsibility. Fewer candidates showed knowledge of events between the fall of the Bastille in 1789 and the end of the monarchy in 1792.