Louis XIV The Sun King The Printing Press

Louis XIV The Sun King

The Printing Press � Johannes � 1440 Gutenberg (German) � Goldsmith by trade invented the moving printing press � Main factor in the dissemination of ideas � Previously 40 books per day by hand now 3600 � Begins the democratization of knowledge

Martin Luther (1483 -1536) � German Priest and Professor of Theology � Disputed that salvation could be bought with money (indulgences) � Bible is the only source of divine knowledge � Translated the bible from Latin to German � Personal relationship between God and his worshipper � Nailed his “ 95 Theses” to the church door � Began the “Reformation” and the “Wars of Religion”

Wars of Religion (1562 -98) � Between Catholic and Protestant � Triggered by Martin Luthers Reformation � Fought between rival houses in France � Very Divisive

The French Monarchy � Henry IV ◦ Prior to Henry taking the throne France was in the throes of the French Wars of Religion ◦ Protestants (Huguenots) vs. Catholic ◦ He was a protestant but converted in hopes of ending the fighting �It did not work so issues the Edict of Nantes

Edict of Nantes � Calvinism vs Catholics in France ◦ Gave rights to the Calvinists who where previously schismatic and heretics ◦ Opened a path for secularism and tolerance ◦ “Freedom of Conscience” to the people ◦ Ended the “Wars of Religion” (1562 -1598)

Calvinism � Protestant � “Predestination” � If you were rich and powerful it was because you were chosen by God to be � Very strict � Certain few were chosen for heaven

Louis XIII - Advisors � Chief ◦ ◦ Minister Cardinal Richelieu Wielded all the power Wanted to strengthen the Kings power Believed in trade The beginning of the “Divine Right of Kings”

Louis “The Great” � 1638 -1715 � Began rule at age 4 � Ruled for 54 years � Attained the throne at age 4 – Mother Anne and Cardinal Mazarin ruled in his name

Louis XIV - Centralization � Sought to eliminate feudalism from France by establishing a centralized nation state � Invited nobles to live at the lavish Palace at Versailles ◦ Reduced scheming and power mongering by taking them off their own land � Instituted strict hierarchy within society as well as his army ◦ 3 estates ◦ Officers in army were appointed by Louis

Estates � 1 st Estate ◦ Clergy � 2 nd Estate ◦ Nobility � 3 rd Estate ◦ Commoners

Louis XIV - Accomplishments � Increased the army from 100 000 to 400 000 ◦ Gave them uniforms � Appointed Intendents to rule the provinces ◦ Collected taxes, enforced laws, recruited soldiers � Built the Palace of Versailles ◦ 27 years to build ◦ 100 million dollars

Louis XIV - Accomplishments � Increased the army from 100 000 to 400 000 ◦ Gave them uniforms � Appointed Intendents to rule the provinces ◦ Collected taxes, enforced laws, recruited soldiers � Built the Palace of Versailles ◦ 27 years to build ◦ 100 million dollars � Extended wars France’s power through several ◦ Dutch war ◦ War of Spanish Succession

Jean-Baptiste Colbert (Financial Minister)

Jean-Baptiste Colbert (Financial Minister) � Mercantilist ◦ trade improves ◦ Believes the nation should be economically independent � New way of collecting taxes ◦ Intendents � Introduced higher taxes � Encourages trade � New industries � Building of ships, roads, canals � Growth of colonies (New France, Canada)

Flaws in Louis XIV’s Government � Inability to raise enough money � Inability to accept religious differences ◦ Repeals the edict of Nantes ◦ Protestants leave France ◦ Protestants very skilled people � Spent too much money