During the French Revolution, food became a symbol of political and social change. The scarcity of bread, the staple food of the poor, led to riots and protests. The revolutionary government attempted to control food prices and distribution, but with limited success. The food crisis contributed to the radicalization of the revolution and the execution of King Louis XVI. By 1793, the revolutionary government had requisitioned flour and grain from farmers and set up price controls, leading to widespread shortages. As a result, people often had to wait in long lines for bread or go hungry. The food shortages also led to an increase in crime and unrest.
