The downfall of Marie Antoinette resulted from years of negative perceptions fueled by satire, libel, and rumors, which effectively stripped her of her humanity in the eyes of the public. The relentless mockery and scandal surrounding her were instrumental in shaping her image as a figure of contempt rather than sympathy.
The chaotic actions of the mob that ultimately attacked her were not spontaneous; they were the climax of a long-standing campaign of vilification. This violent moment was merely the final act in a broader narrative of destruction that had been meticulously crafted over time.