Ch. 4 Sec. 2 France Under Louis XIV

France’s troubles 1560’s ’s Religious wars between Catholics and Huguenots (French Protestants) Huguenot inherits the throne Henry IV Fought against Catholic opposition (4 years) Converted to Catholicism Issued the Edict of Nantes Granted religious toleration

Order Restored Henry IV repairs France, reduces the influence of nobles, and lays the foundations to build absolute power Louis XIII inherits the throne at age 9 Cardinal Richelieu appointed minister 18 years of strengthening the central government Reducing the power of Huguenots and nobles Trains Cardinal Mazarin as successor Louis XIV inherits the throne at age 5 Mazarin works hard to extend royal power

Louis XIV Uprisings forced the boy from the palace (huge influence) returned at 23 to take complete control Divine right to rule Estates General had no meetings

“L’etat, c’est moi” Limit the power of Nobles Expands bureaucracy Government jobs went to wealthy middle class men (Ex. Intendents) Rituals that lured nobles to Versailles instead of being a threat Protected their prestige Exempt from paying taxes Mercantilist policies made France the wealthiest state in Europe

France’s royal decline War and extravagance drained the nation’s finances and damages domestic relations European alliances fight to maintain balance of power The War of Spanish Succession (Philip V - Louis’s grandson) Treaty of Utrecht insured two crowns would not be united

Decline Continued Lavish parties at Versailles paid for by heavy taxes on common people and peasants the Edict of Nantes is revoked chasing Huguenots from France Major blow to the economy