The Rise of Absolute Monarchy in France 1589

The Rise of Absolute Monarchy in France 1589 -1715

France n n n Weak monarchy before 17 th century Powerful nobles rule parts of France Bourbon Dynasty begins centralization of France

RELIGIOUS CONFLICT n n n NOBLES Were Huguenots, Protestants. Think Protestant Reformation. Were a threat to the King. n n THE MONARCHY “One king, one law, one religion” Monarchs were Catholic. Had to deal with the “Nobles Problem” in order to have total (absolute) power.

The Rise of Absolute Monarchy in France n n n Henry IV becomes King of France in 1589, Beginning of Bourbon Dynasty Conflict between King and Nobility Signed the Edict of Nantes allowing Huguenots to have “freedom of worship”. Why? ? ? Began creating a centralized government Henry IV was assassinated in 1610

The Rise of Absolute Monarchy in France n n n Louis XIII becomes king at the age of 9 Cardinal Richelieu runs the country Louis XIII dies in 1643

The Rise of Absolute Monarchy in France Louis XIV becomes king in 1643 n Cardinal Mazarin in charge during his Louis’ early years n Mazarin continues policy of Richelieu n Louis XIV takes over after Mazarin’s death in 1661 n

Louis XIV (1643 -1715) “The Sun King”

Rise to “Absolute Power” Louis XIV controls the nobility n He builds up the bureaucracy n French military modernized n Louis XIV revokes the Edict of Nantes in 1685 n Louis XIV brings France into wars to advance its position in Europe n

Louis XIV (1643 -1715)

Lifestyle n n Lived a lavish life funded by heavy taxes on most of his subjects Most of his subjects lived in poverty with barely enough to eat

Palace of Versailles Became the French capital 12 miles outside of Paris Really angered the “peasants” n Built 1671 -1682 by King Louis XIV Shows how out of touch and insincere King Louis XIV was towards his subjects

King Louis XIV (“The Sun King”) n Believed in Divine Right: Believed God anointed him king so he was only responsible to answer to God, not to his subjects

Conclusion n Constitutional Monarchy develops in England after struggles between King and Parliament n Absolutism established in France after long process of centralization