Louis XVI became king in 1774, inheriting a monarchy burdened by debt and unable to reform its tax system. His ministers attempted financial and administrative changes, while French support for the American War of Independence added to the strain. In 1789 he summoned the Estates-General. He approved some early reforms, but opposed the transfer of authority from the crown to the National Assembly and rejected the state reorganisation of the Catholic Church. During the flight to Varennes in June 1791, he left a declaration stating that many of his concessions had been forced. Deposed in 1792, he was tried by the Convention and executed on 21 January 1793.
