The last king of France before the revolution was King Louis XVI. He reigned from 1774 until his execution in 1793 during the French Revolution. Louis XVI's reign was marked by financial difficulties, a discontented populace, and the rise of revolutionary sentiment. His attempts at reforms were met with resistance from the nobility and ultimately led to increased tensions between the monarchy and the common people. The king's failure to effectively address the societal issues of his time contributed to the outbreak of the revolution. His subsequent execution symbolized the end of absolute monarchy in France and the rise of republican ideals.