The last monarch of France before the French Revolution was King Louis XVI. His reign, which began in 1774, was marked by financial struggles, widespread discontent, and the increasing influence of revolutionary ideas. Louis XVI attempted various reforms to address the financial crisis, but these efforts were largely ineffective. The escalating tensions culminated in the French Revolution, leading to his arrest and eventual execution by guillotine in 1793. His downfall symbolized the end of absolute monarchy in France and marked the rise of republican ideals, making his reign a critical turning point in French history.