You're Dead to Me Marie Antoinette: last French queen before the Revolution
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Oct 3, 2025 
Join Professor Katherine Astbury, an expert in Revolutionary France, and comedian Jen Brister for a lively discussion on Marie Antoinette. They delve into her lavish lifestyle, the origins of the infamous "let them eat cake" myth, and her complicated marriage to Louis XVI. The guests explore her role as a cultural patron, her intriguing relationships, and the notorious Diamond Necklace scandal. With sharp humor, they examine how propaganda shaped her reputation and her tragic fate during the Revolution.
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Austrian Origins And Name Change
- Marie Antoinette was born Archduchess Maria Antonia of Austria and only later became known by the French diminutive Antoinette.
- Her name change and multilingual upbringing reflect Habsburg court practices and diplomatic aims.
Betrothed As A Child For Alliance
- Maria Theresa betrothed her daughter to the French heir to cement a political alliance and began preparations when Antoinette was about 10.
- The marriage plan geared Antoinette toward life at the French court long before she left Vienna.
Remaking A Princess For Versailles
- Empress Maria Theresa remade Antoinette physically and socially to fit French court ideals, from hair to teeth and posture.
- These cosmetic and behavioural changes show how dynastic marriages enforced cultural assimilation.
