France becomes the Envy of Europe

France Emerges as a Great Power From 1560 – 1590 France suffered under the religious wars. Catholic Guises vs. Protestant Bourbons hoped to replace the Valois kings. St. Bartholomew’s Day - slaughter of French Protestants. Aug 24, France recovered thanks to the policies of Henry IV, ( Henry of Navarre) the first of the Bourbon kings. Henry IV - A Huguenot - He converted to Catholicism. “ Paris is worth a mass”.

Henry IV issues the Edict of Nantes Henry IV issues the Edict of Nantes granting religious freedom to French Protestants. ( Huguenots) He builds roads, bridges, a better justice system promises, and promises “a chicken in every pot.” Henry IV leads the way in making the monarch the supreme leader in France. He is killed by an assassin in 1610.

Cardinal Richelieu and France Henry IV picked as his financial advisor the Duke of Sully. ( No relation to our Sully ) Henry’s son Louis XIII picked the Cardinal Richelieu in Richelieu establishes a government that rules for 150 years. Richelieu wanted to make the power of the monarch supreme.( The maker of monarchs) He wanted to weaken the nobles, the Huguenots and the Hapsburgs.

Richelieu’s Plan for France Richelieu limited the power of the nobles by ordering that all castles be dismantled. He also appointed intendants as local administrators. Nobles appointed as royal officials.(loyal to the king) He limited the power of the Huguenots. He weakened the power of the Hapsburgs. The Thirty Years War and the Treaty of Westphalia. Richelieu handpicks Cardinal Mazarin to help 5 year old Louis XIV rule France.

The Rise of the Sun King in France Louis XIV remembered the rebellion of Paris, the Fronde. The Fronde a rebellion in Paris is smashed by Cardinal Mazarin. Louis XIV builds Versailles. Jean Colbert was his finance advisor. Louis repeals the Edict of Nantes, expels Huguenots. ( big mistake) Louis XIV fights a series of expensive Wars. Treaty of Utrecht ends the war of the Spanish succession. ( Balance of Power)

The Splendid Century The 17 th century in France is called the “ Splendid Century”, because of the art that flourished. Most of the art flattered Louis XIV, who was a great patron. Moliere and Jean Racine were great playwrights. The French Academies were established for art and science Louis XIV died in 1714, Louis XV ruled for another 60 years. France has financial problems. The seeds are sown for the French Revolution.