Royal Absolutism CA. 1533- 1725

Legitimacy Europe- who had the legitimate rule? Royal Monarchs (Divine)- France develops the concept and the administration in the most effective way Louis XIV 1661 (France was by now the most powerful nation in Europe…so long Spain!)- creator and inspiration for Royal Absolutism across Europe Quick history- 1589 Henry IV- inherits a disjointed Kingdom- passes Edict of Nantes (religious toleration), sells government offices to wealthy people and merchants (nobility of the robe) Massive infrastructure program- assassinated by a fanatic

Absolutism in France Cardinal Richelieu- chief minister of Marie de Medicis (ruling as regent for the young Louis XIII Richelieu- make royal power supreme (so long Huguenots, nobles of the robe and merchants)- bring back subjects to their “duty” Richelieu used the army to destroy any nobles who opposed him, changed the administrative boundaries and appointed an intendent and went to war (30 years war) to weaken the Habsburgs By 1642 France was top dog in Europe but was hated in France (tax increases to do his deeds)

1640-53 Revolts The Fronde (objection to increased taxes and increasing royal power)1648- 1653 essentially a civil war led by nobles, soldiers and urban artisans (Louis XIV flees)* 1640’s- other revolts of the same nature in Spain, Italian city-states and England- same thing in each case- increase in taxes and royal power Most had small successes, peasants and nobles were very specific in their attacks (tax collectors and royal agents) but all were eventually crushed Matters get much worse in England- all these events were a warning to monarchs- don’t push unpopular policies too far and the aristocracy should not underestimate the crown

The Sun King Rises 1661 Louis XIV officially rules as king- let’s do some child psychology- what was his upbringing like? Bishop Bossuet (see previous handout)- “L’etat c’est moi” Frnace had a massive series of councils that were filled with nobles- Louis only appointed lower nobles and managed every council himself Looked to Henry IV and initiated massive public works that glorified him, not local nobles- canals, roads and the biggest work- the Palace of Versailles

The Sun King Rises Versailles took 43 years to complete, its Baroque at its best, classical and controlled to the last detail- obedience to natural laws- if he is the sun… “The peoples over whom we reign, being unable to comprehend the basic realities of things, usually derive their opinions from what they can see with their eyes”- value? 1682 moves to Versailles and “invites” nobles from all over France to “stay” with him- subjected them to a series of very complex system of etiquette, forcing nobles to care about their position under him…see Antoinette clip Intendants managed the nobles properties

The Sun King Rises Mercantilist policies were promoted- high tariffs on French industries, built a massive navy and forced extreme regulations on French manufacturing details- short term results 1683 France had a balanced budget and had relative prosperity despite the expense of the new kingdom (and Versailles) Following decades became the time for Louis to consolidate his royal authority even more- religious conformity (revoked Edict of Nantes)- wealthy protestants left Fought four wars of aggression over his last 40 years as King