Absolute Monarchs of France How was the French Monarchy weakened by Louis XIV?

Richelieu Strengthens the Monarchy Louis XIII, of the Bourbon family was a weak king Louis appoints a Cardinal Richelieu to help him rule Richelieu’s goal is to strengthen the Bourbon monarchy & expand France’s Empire Richelieu, a Catholic, will side with German Protestant Princes against Ferdinand Hapsburg in 30 Years War France & German Princes win 30 Years War, France takes land from Hapsburgs When Louis XIII dies, his son Louis XIV becomes King and benefits from a strengthened monarchy

Sun King’s Disastrous Wars Louis XIV was known as the “Sun King” Builds France’s wealth thru Canadian fur trade Louis XIV wants to expand France’s territory Louis invades the Netherlands Stopped by England’s King William of Orange 2. King of Spain dies with no heir Louis & Spanish nobles try to put his grandson on the throne Starts War of Spanish Succession France/Spain lose. England gets Spain’s Gibraltar & control of Spain’s slave trade 3. France weakened by wars and in heavy debt After “Sun King’s” death Louis XV will lose France’s Canadian territory to England in the Seven Years War

France’s Debt under Louis XIV 650K 450K 400K 400K 200K Add these questions to the reading guide worksheet 3. What year did France have the lowest debt? 4. How much debt would France owe in US Dollars (1715)? 1683 22 billion