French Monarchy

House of Valois Henry IV (Bourbon)

Religious Wars Catholics fought the Huguenots (French Protestants) 8 times between 1562-1598 Catherine de Medici’s 3 sons ruled, but weren’t very good Daughter Margaret married to a Protestant French noble, Henry Bourbon. He becomes king

Henry IV Begins growth of absolute monarchy Was Protestant but became Catholic Tolerant of both religions Edict of Nantes: statement of religious toleration Popular, brought stability and prosperity Stabbed to death, son takes over

Louis XIII Oldest son of Henry IV 9 when took throne Weak ruler Advisor: Cardinal Richelieu Weakened Protestants Weakened Nobles Married Anne, daughter of Spanish king. Two sons Fought 30 Years War against Spanish/Austrian Hapsburgs

Louis XIV: The Sun King Most powerful French king 4 yrs old when became king Cardinal Mazarin ruled Increased taxes, weakened nobles Economic advisor: Jean Colbert Expanded factories Used colonies Wife: Marie Therese, daughter of Spanish king

Versailles Expensive palace Nobles lived there Supported arts Estimated cost: $2.5 billion Nobles lived there Supported arts

Wars Invaded Spanish Netherlands War of Spanish Succession Wife was Spanish, claimed the land War of Spanish Succession Louis’s grandson heir to Spanish throne England, Portugal, and others fight to prevent this Treaty: grandson is King of Spain but thrones of France/Spain can’t unite. England gets land, Austria gets land

Louis’s Legacy Positive Negative France is major military power Lots of art, literature Strong empire of colonies with goods/trade Negative Wars cost money Palace of Versailles very expensive Debt, high taxes Not tolerant, Protestants leave France