5.2 Louis XIV of France

Henry of Navarre Henry IV becomes first king of Bourbon dynasty There is much conflict between Huguenots (Protestant) & Catholics Henry converts to Catholicism because most of France is Catholic and he is not popular – want to heal social wounds Signs Edict of Nantes – allows Huguenots to live peacefully in France

Cardinal Richelieu Louis XIII reigns after father Henry assassinated Louis = weak king but appoints Cardinal Richelieu Cardinal Richelieu rules France Richelieu increases power of monarchy Forbids Huguenot cities to have walls

Cardinal Richelieu Richelieu increases power of monarchy Decreases power of other nobles Removes their castles Increases power of government agents that do job of nobles

Skepticism New philosophy of skepticism becomes popular Skepticism = nothing can ever be known for certain Question everything

Louis XIV Louis XIV = most powerful French monarch ever Louis XIV believed he & government were the same 14 years old when comes to power Nobles lead riots against young king – Louis determined to never let that happen again

Louis XIV Louis weakens noble power Excludes them from council Allows intendants (gvt. officials) to collect taxes & administer justice Jean Baptiste Colbert = Minister of Finance Believes in mercantilism Cancels the Edict of Nantes – So What? Huguenot business owners flee country

Louis XIV Controls nobles Requires them to live at his palace Help him get dressed Looking for any sort of recognition from Louis Ignored those that did not honor him This forces nobles to be dependant on Louis Allows intendants to work without noble interference

Louis XIV Huge patron of the arts Art created to glorify him Palace of Versailles

Louis and War Under Louis, France = most powerful country in Europe Tries to expand French borders by invading Dutch – Dutch flood countryside Other European nations combine to stop Louis – want balance of power Alliance created – England, Austrian Hapsburg, Spain, Sweden = French strength