The Grand Monarque and the Balance of Power Section 4.17

Questions to Consider What observation may be made about the significance of western Europe in the development of modern civilization since about 1650? What general statements may be made about the nature of Louis’ XIV rule in France and about the role of France in European affairs during his reign? Why did Louis (14)’s foreign policy arouse the opposition of the rest of Europe? Explain the nature of the balance of power that was employed against Louis. Of what broad significance has the balance of power concept been in diplomatic history?

Europe, 1648

Introduction Western World 1650 Encompassed in 500 mile area centered on Paris What makes it Western? secular modern natural science capitalism modern state parliamentary government democratic ideas machine industry earth’s principal center of cultural diffusion

Why was it centered in Dutch, English, and French territories? Italian Renaissance fading out Religious wars end in 1648 HRE in ruins Spain in decline Commercial Revolution generating wealthy, educated class

Why did France rise in status? Dutch= small population England= Civil Wars (1630-1689) Charles I James I James II Oliver Cromwell Restoration Glorious Revolution France Large population (19 Million) Resources Succession of good rulers Henry IV (Louis XIII) Richelieu Louis XIV

The Sun King Long ‘stable’ reign Comes to power in 1643 at age 5 reigns for 72 years (1715) took personal direction in 1661 at age 23 Sun King Grand Monarque More than a figurehead takes over the institutions created by Richelieu

The Absolutist Paradigm Policies, methods of government, war, diplomacy become models for others to follow French language, clothing, thought, architecture, cooking etiquette are standard for Europe Makes France the strongest country in Europe

Why is Spain declining so rapidly? Charles II comes to the throne in 1665 Weak leadership!!!!! “The Bewitched” Mandibular prognathism (Hapsburg Jaw) genetic disorder where the lower jaw outgrows the upper tongue was enlarged and he could barley be understood

Why is Spain declining so rapidly? Acromegaly- pituitary gland disorder Causes excessive growth in hands, feet, jaw, … Imbecilic product of generations of inbreeding Infertility (well-known) On the throne until 1700 Spain What Turkey was later called “sick man of Europe” Fate of Spain and its colonial holdings is uncertain

Louis XIV and expansion Marries Charles II’s sister uses his position to advance France’s borders Annex Spanish Netherlands, Franche Comte`, and Burgundy Further weakens HRE

Louis XIV and expansion Moves to secure Spain under his rule to achieve this he takes various interests into his pay royalists in England including Charles II of England republicans in Netherlands Potential for universal monarchy under throne of France is increasing Response to universal monarchy is the use of balance of power

Balance of Power condition of equilibrium in power distribution power is distributed among many separate states if one state grows too powerful, the others form a coalition against it the coalition becomes the “balance” holding the balance of power refers to the power one state may bring to bear by foreign policy become the pursuit of tipping the balance preserving the independence of action to the utmost

Balance of Power the basic rule was to form alliances against any state threatening domination and to maintain the balance objective was preserving sovereignty rather than peace had little to do with ideologies or sympathies (allies supported or rejected) balance model was effective during period of large number of small and medium sized states later will become downfall of Europe (WWI) Key players of the period are Louis XIV and William of Orange (William III) of the Dutch Key event of the period is the War of the Spanish Succession