L’etat, c’est moi!! Louis XIV (1643-1715) The Sun King

Key Terms Louis XIV Sun King Edict of Nantes Bourbon Family Fronde Alsace-Lorraine Intendants Palace of Versailles Levee Edict of Nantes Declaration of Clergy of France Jean Baptiste Colbert Code Louis Wars of Expansion Robert de La Salle Louisiana

Background Louis XIV was born into the French Royal Family “The Bourbons” Mother could not have a child for 12 years Birth seen as a miracle "Louis-Dieudonné" (Louis the God-given) Father died in 1643 Louis became king at age 4

Reign of Louis XIV Ruled France for 72 years Achievements: Longest in European history Achievements: Centralized Power to an extent never seen in Modern Europe Expanded French Territory Made France the greatest economic, political, and cultural power in Europe Built the Palace of Versailles Louis XIV can be seen as the quintessential absolute monarch due to his centralization of power, expansion of territory, and pursuit of personal glory.

Outline I. Centralization of Power II. Expansion III. Glory & Spending

I. Centralization of Power Reigning in the Nobility Religion Military Economy Law

A. Reigning in of Nobility For centuries, nobles had unchecked power Ran the military Refused to obey laws Constant insurrection Fronde (1648)- Insurrection by Nobles to keep feudal power, and not pay taxes Louis built the Palace of Versailles 20 km outside of Paris Forced Nobles to live there Nobles had to participate in courtly rituals Louis could keep an eye on Nobles Levee – (rising) nobles competed to hold a wash basin for Louis in the morning.

A. Reigning in of Nobility Replaced Nobles with Intendants Nobles were loyal to the Nobility Intendants – officials loyal to Louis XIV

B. Religion Eliminating freedom of religion Louis cancelled the Edict of Nantes Edict of Nantes (grandfather, 1598)– allowed freedom of religion for Hugenots (French Calvinists) Limits on the power of the Catholic Church Declaration of Clergy of France Limited the Pope’s power in France, Louis had authority

C. Military Historically, French Nobles served as generals Often challenged the king Louis built a strong centralized military loyal only to him. Nobles OUT Administrators IN

D. Economy Louis arrested the old finance minister Accusation of Embezzlement Gave the post to a trusted ally Jean Baptiste Colbert Practiced Mercantilism Made France rich!!!

E. Law Historically, France was ruled by several different codes of law Feudal past Louis instituted the Code Louis Centralized, uniform code of law for all of France

II. Expansion Wars in Europe Expansion in the Americas Foreign Diplomacy

A. Wars in Europe Louis expanded French territory through several wars Franco-Dutch War Gained lands in the Netherlands (from Spain) France remained as the Great Power War of the Grand Alliance Everyone vs. France Louis XIV gains Alsace Region Half of the Alsace-Lorraine Region War of Spanish Succession Ultimately unsuccessful attempt to take over Spanish territories

Alsace-Lorriane – Region which France and Germanic Empires constantly fought over

B. Expansion in the Americas Robert de La Salle explored: Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River, Great Lakes Entire Mississippi River Basin claimed by France Named? Louisiana – After Louis XIV

C. Foreign Diplomacy Opened diplomacy with the Ottomans Trade Found Pondicherry in India Missionaries in China

III. Glory & Spending Lavish Lifestyle and Spending Diamond encrusted shoes Expensive parties daily Palace of Versailles 20 year construction Regarded as the most magnificent palace in Europe Symbol of the Wealth and absolute power of the “Sun King” Also a symbol of the monarchy’s alienation from the people

Queen’s Chamber

King’s Chamber

Hall of Mirrors

Hall of Mirrors (2)

Outline I. Centralization of Power II. Expansion III. Glory & Spending

Conclusion Pros Cons