Age of Absolutism: King Louis XIV

Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715) Personal rule began in 1661 with the death of Cardinal Mazarin. "L'État, c'est moi" (the state is me) Symbolized as the “Sun King.” (Center of France; rays of sun reflect off of monarch onto subjects).

Châteaux de Versailles King’s residence and center of government. Spent vast sums of money on expansion. Royal apartments were at the center of the complex.

Court Life at Versailles King served dual functions Both functions were aimed at state-building. Louis distrusted the nobility, so he appointed officials from middle-class origin. He also continued the practice of selling titles (“nobles of the robe” as opposed to “nobles of the sword”).

Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683) Served as controller of finances from 1662-1683. Supported mercantilist policies. Built roads and canals. Credited for many of Louis’ economic successes and failures.

Domestic Policies Louis enacted absolutist ideas through domination of the central bureaucracy which had greater control of state finances, the execution of laws and the use of armed force. Increased royal control Revoked the Edict of Nantes in October 1685 and began persecuting Huguenots; over 200,000 fled France.

Expansion under Louis XIV Through a series of expensive wars Louis slowly expanded French territory.

The End of an Era Louis XIV was one of the great state-builders of Europe Despite this, the peasants of France suffered as they never had before or since. This would bring government welfare as a state function it the 18th century His absolutist policy solidified the place of France as the dominant power in Europe.