LOUIS XIV SUN KING PALACE OF VERSAILLES HALL

LOUIS XIV SUN KING

PALACE OF VERSAILLES

HALL OF MIRRORS

LOUIS POWER • Best practice of an Absolute monarch • French diplomacy and political structure dominated Europe

Statement: Everyone in his kingdom was cultured • What does this mean?

ONLY A MERE BOY • Child when ascended to the throne (4 years) • Cardinal Richelieu: Chief Minister to King Louis XIII (His father) • Cardinal Mazarin: Chief Minister to King Louis XIV – Took care of anyone in opposition to the monarchy

Read Louis’s Speech: Top of 225 Louis Comes to power @ age 23

SOURCE OF ALL LIGHT • He claimed himself to be like the Sun • What is the significance of this term?

Government and Religion Three purposes of Government –Personal household –Chief offices were located there –Place of Favors and King’s power

Lower levels: King Bribes • Louis had complete Power, but local tradition and power held on tight and therefore used the King. • Why would he allow this if he was “Absolute Ruler”?

Religion • He destroyed the Huguenots(French Protestants) and wanted conversion of them to Catholicism • Many fled to England, German States, and United Provinces

Economy and War • Spent a lot of money on palaces, court, and wars • Colbert (Personal Financer) helped control the spending • Colbert’s idea of Mercantilism: Decrease imports and increase exports

WAR –Why would Louis rage wars between 1667 -1713?

Legacy • Died in 1715 • Used all Characteristics of an Absolute Monarch • Achieved, yet failed as a leader (enemies, debt, leaving throne to a five year old)

Quote: Louis XIV on his death bed. • “ Soon you will be King of a great kingdom…. . Try to remain at peace with your neighbors. I loved war too much. Do not follow me in that or in overspending…. Lighten your people’s burden as soon as possible, and do what I have the misfortune not to do myself. – King Louis XIV: 1715 to his great grandson.