France during Absolutism

Bourbon Dynasty Henry of Navarre (Becomes Henry IV) Protestant Bourbon prince Brought peace First Bourbon King Opposed by the people Forced to become Catholic Edict of Nantes- 1598 Declared France a Catholic country (diffusing tension) Religious tolerance Protestants could worship

Cardinal Richelieu French minister Ruled during the reign of Louis XIII Made the Bourbon monarchy the most powerful Destroyed nobles castles

Louis XIV- the “Sun King” Most powerful ruler in French history Decreased power of nobility Wanted France to attain economical, political, and cultural brilliance Cancelled the Edict of Nantes Many skilled workers left France

Spent a fortune to have luxury all around him Built the Palace at Versailles Supporter of the arts Imposed taxes, started wars, spent too much $$ (the value of the Versailles estate staggers at US $300 billion. (2010) Ruled for 72 years

Louis XIV’s money problems Costly wars Tried to expand French boundaries into the Netherlands European wide alliance formed to stop him War of Spanish Succession Charles II died childless, promised throne to Louis’ nephew Europe scared of an alliance between France and Spain French lost lands in the Americas to Britain Austrians took land from Spain

Palace of Versailles

King’s bedchamber

Queen’s bedchamber

The Hall of Mirrors

Versailles Chapel

Garden of Versailles

Marie Antoinette's Pastoral Pond

Powerscourt Fountain

Estates General French Legislative Body 1st Estate- Clergy (1%) Met in 1614, then not again until 1789 Absolute monarchs don’t “need them” until non-wealthy members of 3rd estate force the issue. 1st Estate- Clergy (1%) 2nd Estate- Nobility (2%) 3rd Estate- everybody else (97%)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_Y_-1mAKLk