Louis the XIV Louis the XIV o Summarize

Louis the XIV

Louis the XIV o Summarize how Louis XIV strengthened royal power o List the successes and failures of Louis XIV during his reign.

Louis XIV (Reigned: 1643 -1715) Reigned for 72 years, for 54 of them he personally controlled the French government. Louis XIV of France ranks as one of the most remarkable monarchs in history. Louis XIV Painting by Rigaud Louvre

Age of Louis XIV • His rule has been hailed as the supreme example of absolutism. • Under Louis XIV, France became stabilized, centralized, & one of the strongest powers in Europe.

Louis XIV’s Drive Toward Absolutism • Saw himself as God’s servant on earth for France – Divine Right or Divine Rule – The king rules through God – L’etat c’est Moi – “I am the state” • Completely reorganized France, making it into a highly-centralized, well-functioning modern nation-state.

Louis XIV’s Drive Toward Absolutism • Basis of reorganization: Centralization – Government administration – Financial resources – Army was reserved as occupation for nobility • Developed of trade & manufacturing (mercantilism)

Palace at Versailles

History of Versailles • The exquisite palace built at Versailles between 1661 and 1689 was filled with images of Louis’s glory. Over 30, 000 men worked on the palace. • No foreign ambassador, nobleman, or ordinary citizen could enter this new center of government without being overwhelmed by representations of the power of Louis XIV. • The king moved to the Palace of Versailles in 1682, occupying it with his growing family, his courtiers, and his mistresses.

La Chateau de Versailles Built under the direction of achitect, Louis le Vau, beginning in 1668.

West approach to the chateau

Gardens of Versailles

Gardens of Versailles

Grand cour de Versailles

Hall of Mirrors (Salle de Glace) The best example of Baroque architecture at the time. Designed by Charles Le Brun

Hall of Mirrors

Royal Chapel

Imagery at Versailles (Le Roi Soleil) Nickname = “Sun King”

Life at Versailles • All of the French nobles wanted to stay at Versailles. • It was an honor to cloth the King. • It was a major ceremony to watch Louis sleep at night.

Louis XIV’s Wars

Louis’ Wars Fought 4 major wars • In 1667 he invaded the Spanish Netherlands – Defeated by the British & Dutch • 1672 -1678: Louis aligned with the Charles II (England) against the Dutch – France gained territory

Louis’ Wars • War of the League of Augsburg (1668 -1697) – Grand Alliance against France – France lost – • War of the Spanish Succession (1701 -1713) – France lost most of the battles but achieved it goal—the installation of a French prince as king of Spain.

Louis’ Death • He out lived all of his heirs. • France was bankrupt due to his lavish spending and his wars. • France will never be the most powerful country in Europe. • Nobles tire of absolute rule – this lead to the French Revolution.

Louis the XIV o Summarize how Louis XIV strengthened royal power expanded army/ absolute monarchy o List the successes and failures of Louis XIV during his reign. Initially made France wealthy, set standards for culture, helped the arts , bankrupted France through wars. Persecuted other religions , drained the nation of talent