Unprepared to Rule

Marie Antoinette was only ten years old when the diplomats of Austria began to think seriously about marrying her to the dauphin of France. Royal marriages were of great importance in eighteenth century Europe and were used as diplomatic tools to cement alliances between nations. France and the Austria-Hungary Empire were two of the most powerful nations of the age, and the marriage of Antoinette and Louis was a strong symbol of their intended friendship.

It was also a tremendous responsibility and burden on the young couple. Antoinette was only fourteen at the time of her marriage and Louis just a year older. Erickson describes Louis as a typically awkward teenager, uncomfortable with women and uncertain of himself, wanting only to spend time at his pastimes and to remain unbothered by expectations of proper regal behavior among his family and court. He is shown engaging in...