Charles Hector d'Estaing was a formidable opponent for the Royal Navy before the French Revolution overtook his career. Although he supported liberal reform, letters showing loyalty to Marie Antoinette and his testimony on her behalf made him vulnerable during the Terror. He was guillotined in 1794 after joking that the English would pay well for his head. France had eliminated an experienced commander who could still have served during the coming wars.
Notable Point · 51:47-54:37
The Terror removed an experienced French admiral
D'Estaing's execution after defending Marie Antoinette removed naval expertise that France might soon have needed.