5/19 Focus: 5/19 Focus: – Over time, French kings had increased royal power by increasing the influence of the government and reducing the power of nobles Do Now: Do Now: – Which Russian monarch was able to acquire a warm water port for Russia?

Henry IV First king in the Bourbon Dynasty Converted from Protestantism to Catholicism Helped end years of religious conflicts in France – Edict of Nantes granted religious freedom to Protestants

Louis XIII Ruled from Cardinal Richelieu was an important advisor to the king – Roman Catholic cardinal – Protected and strengthened royal authority in France Forbid Protestant cities from having walls Ordered nobles to destroy fortified castles – Helped make the French army the strongest in Europe – Basically ruled France with the king

Ruled from – Ruled longer than any other monarch in Europe – Became king when he was four years old – Cardinal Mazarin helped Louis XIV rule Efforts to end the Thirty Years War made France the most powerful nation in Europe Died when Louis XIV was 23 Louis XIV

Known as the Sun King – Louis XIV took the Sun as a symbol of his power Once said “I am the State” Demanded complete loyalty from subjects L’état, c’est moi

Divine Right Louis claim to absolute power were supported by Bishop Jacques Bossuet – Argued that: the king was God’s representative on Earth was entitled to unquestioned obedience

Establishing Absolute Power Louis XIV expanded the bureaucracy – Appointed officials to collect taxes, recruit soldiers, carry out his rule throughout France Built a highly disciplined army which became the strongest in Europe – Got involved in a number of wars Spanish Netherlands War of the Spanish Succession

Cultural Advances Louis XIV promoted culture by supporting arts Art was used to promote values that supported and glorified Louis’ absolute rule

Versailles Built the Palace of Versailles – Main palace was 500 yards long – Two wings each were 150 yards long – 2,000 rooms Palace was meant to show the wealth and power of King Louis XIV Louis required nobles to move to Versailles – Could control nobles who became dependent on him

Legacy of Louis XIV Louis XIV drained French Treasury building Versailles, living extravagant lifestyle and fighting costly wars – Led to social unrest among starving peasants

Closure What did Louis XIV mean when he said “I am the State”? What did Bishop Jacques Bossuet believe justified Louis XIV’s absolute rule in France? What long term impact did the construction of Versailles and involvement in military conflicts have on France?