What was Louis XVI's fate on 21 January 1793?

On 21 January 1793, Louis XVI was executed by guillotine, marking a significant moment in the French Revolution. His trial and subsequent execution were driven by the revolutionary sentiment that sought to abolish the monarchy and implement a republican form of government. The decision to execute Louis XVI was influenced by concerns over his perceived betrayal of the revolution, his attempts to escape France, and the fear that he might become a rallying point for counter-revolutionary forces.

The guillotine, which became a symbol of the Reign of Terror, was seen as a more humane method of execution compared to previous practices such as hanging or burning. The execution of Louis XVI was intended not only to eliminate the king but also to underscore the revolutionaries' commitment to new democratic ideals. His death solidified radical shifts in power and was viewed as a definitive break from the autocratic rule of the monarchy.

In the context of the other choices, they do not accurately reflect the historical event. For example, he was not exiled from France, nor was he imprisoned for life or forced to abdicate. Instead, the revolutionary leaders chose execution to fully sever the ties to the monarchy and assert their authority.