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

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.