ABSOLUTISM A Study of Absolute Monarchy in France
ABSOLUTISM A Study of Absolute Monarchy in France
Absolutism Is defined as a state where all power lies in the monarch Derived from “divine right of kings” Similar to dictatorship
Absolutism Before this period, absolute monarchs were rare Remember the feudal system There were many challengers for power in Europe • Kings, Church, Nobles
Absolutism Characteristics of absolute rule No legislature Control of nobles Control of the Church Officials report directly to the monarch • Large army to enforce control • •
In France. . . Absolutism takes a long time to reach completion When it did, however, it would become the best example of absolutism anywhere
France in the 1500’s to 1600’s Under King Henry IV, France pushed for settlement in the New World, especially in Canada Atlantic trade increased France profited greatly, especially from fur trade
Henry IV Reduced Nobles’ Power The old nobles that had their title from birth and inherited wealth were denied influence New nobles could purchase titles from the monarchy • Tended to be far more devoted to the monarch’s wishes
Also Allowed Religious Tolerance In 1598 Henry IV issued the Edict of Nantes, which gave Protestants the right to worship within Catholic France
But Then, Henry IV Dies In 1610, Henry IV is assassinated, and another Medici comes on the scene Marie de Medici rules France as a regent while Henry’s son comes of age
Louis XIII (r. 1610 -1643) Is King of France at age 8 His mother Marie rules on his behalf until he takes power himself at age 13; she continues to rule even though he is crowned
Cardinal Richelieu (1585 -1642) Becomes an advisor to Louis XIII when Louis is 22 Probably did more than anyone else to move France toward an absolute monarchy
Cardinal Richelieu developed the Intendant System to weaken nobles • Local officials (usually old nobles) were replaced with intendants – civil servants who reported directly to the king • Government became more efficient, with far less corruption
Cardinal Richelieu Continued to develop overseas empire Increased taxation to fund military
Louis XIV (r. 1643 -1715) Son of Louis XIII and grandson of Henry IV, he would rule for 72 years, the longest of any European monarch in history He is the prime example of what it means to be an absolute monarch in the west
Louis XIV Louis is called the “Sun King” because he is at the center of French power, the way the sun was the center of the solar system He is a strong believer of the divine right of kings “L’etat, c’est moi” – (“I am the state”)
Louis XIV Achievements during his reign • France becomes the undisputed power in Europe • French becomes the international language, as Latin had been in the Middle Ages • Paris becomes the center of art and literature until the 20 th century
Louis’ Government Organization Kept intendant system begun by Richelieu Recruited ministers from the middle class Checked the power of those that might resist • Critics of the government could be arrested
Also Controlled Peasantry Raised taxes, in some cases as high as 80% Instituted the corvée, which required peasants to work forced labor for one month every year on public projects
The Palace of Versailles
Versailles Palace Was an extension of a hunting lodge that had been built by Louis XIII Louis XIV turned it into the most impressive palace in all Europe In today’s dollars it would cost about $3 billion to build Was built to reinforce Louis’ power—a symbol of that power
Versailles The front façade was a third of a mile long Grounds had over 1400 fountains Housed about 10, 000 people Took over 50% of French annual revenues just to keep it running
The Palace in the time of Louis XIV
Today
Main Gate – topped with gold
Main Courtyard
Statue of Louis XIV
South Facade
The Royal Chapel
Inside the Royal Chapel
Royal Chapel Ceiling
The Royal Courtyard
The Marble Courtyard
First Castle – built by Louis XIII
Louis XIV thought the first castle was too plain, so he added gold detail
In the War Drawing Room
Another view
Versailles’ most famous feature: The Hall of Mirrors
The Hall of Battles
The Artists’ Gallery
Ceiling of Artists’ Gallery
The Mars Drawing Room
The Apollo Drawing Room
A Bedchamber
Private Antechamber
The Astronomical Clock
Library of Louis XIV
The Dauphine’s (Princess’) Bedchamber
Private Cabinet
The Porcelain Dining Room
The Grand Perspective
The Fountain of Latona
Grounds
Grounds and Formal Gardens
View of the Castle from the Grand Canal
The Fountain of Apollo
Louis’ Legacy Centralized political and religious authority in the monarchy Believed he was king by the grace of God
The French Economy France is Europe’s leading industrial country High taxes pay for royal projects and a large army A series of wars (mostly unsuccessful) left France nearly bankrupt
Long Term Cost Because of the huge debt, taxes were increased still further French nobles were not taxed, so this was a burden for the peasants This will eventually lead to the French Revolution
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