17 th -18 th Century France “ 17 th -18 th Century France “ The Absolute Monarchy Reigns” Louis XIII Born Died 1643 Reigned Father was Henry IV – the first Bourbon KingFather was Henry IV – the first Bourbon King Took throne at age 8 ½ after father’s assassinationTook throne at age 8 ½ after father’s assassination Mother ruled until he was 13Mother ruled until he was 13 November 9, 1615, at age 14, was married to a Hapsburg Princess, Anne of Austria, daughter of King Philip III of SpainNovember 9, 1615, at age 14, was married to a Hapsburg Princess, Anne of Austria, daughter of King Philip III of SpainAnne of Austria Philip III of SpainAnne of Austria Philip III of Spain Begins construction of Versailles in 1624Begins construction of Versailles in 1624Versailles

17 th -18 th Century France “ 17 th -18 th Century France “ The Absolute Monarchy Reigns” Louis XIV “The Sun King” Born Died 1715 Reigned Only 4 when father dies so power goes to Cardinal Richelieu (had been advisor to Louis XIII since 1624) He is known as The Sun King (in French, “Le Roi Soleil”) because it was thought that, just as the planets revolve around the Sun, so too should France and the Court revolve around him.

17 th -18 th Century France “ 17 th -18 th Century France “ The Absolute Monarchy Reigns” When Richelieu dies, power passed to Cardinal Mazarin until his death in 1661 Cardinals led France to prominence in Europe (especially Richelieu) Louis XIV crowned King in 1661 (23 years old) and marries Maria Teresa – Infanta of Spain

Voltaire refers to Louis XIV as “L’etate, c’est moi” – “I am the State” This sums up Louis’ view on absolutism Louis takes total control of government, isolated and controlled the nobility by moving them to Versailles in 1682 Life for nobility was an endless succession of meaningless social rituals centered on honors bestowed by the king 17 th -18 th Century France “ 17 th -18 th Century France “ The Absolute Monarchy Reigns”

VERSAILLES

Still depended upon advisors, but they no longer came automatically from the nobility – rather, he selected well- qualified people Went to war four times from Depleted treasury Levied even more taxes on an already poor citizenry (except nobility) 17 th -18 th Century France “ 17 th -18 th Century France “ The Absolute Monarchy Reigns”

  Louis XV   Born Died 1774   Reigned 1715 – 1774 Great-grandson of Louis XIV Came to throne at age five, married to Maria Leczinska at age 15, father at age 16 VERY inept leader Three wars gained some territory from Poland, but lost North America to Great Britain 17 th -18 th Century France “ 17 th -18 th Century France “ The Absolute Monarchy Reigns”

  Louis XVI   Born Died 1793   Reigned 1774 – 1793 Grandson of Louis XV VERY incompetent, dull-minded, weak ruler – lacked leadership skills and decision-making capabilities Didn’t really want to rule, forced to when Louis XV dies Power greatly limited after 1789 revolution – Constitutional Monarchy (really just a figurehead) 17 th -18 th Century France “ 17 th -18 th Century France “ The Absolute Monarchy Reigns”

Louis XVI Married to Marie Antoinette of Austria (in some ways she was more of a leader than he was) Both were executed after the revolution, during the Reign of Terror 17 th -18 th Century France “ 17 th -18 th Century France “ The Absolute Monarchy Reigns”

17 th -18 th Century France “ 17 th -18 th Century France “ The Absolute Monarchy Ends” The Jacobins Rule under Robespierre * executed July 28, The Directory (National Convention) Napolean Bonaparte