1. The Age of Absolutism

2. Absolutism in France Henry IV (1589-1620)
1560s-1590s: religious wars between Huguenots (French Protestants) and Catholics
King Henry IV issues Edict of Nantes
Religious tolerance and protection
Henry IV expands power of government by taking away power from nobility

3. Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715) Takes the throne at age five
Strongest monarch in all of French history

4. The Sun King
Louis XIV considered himself to be the center of the French universe – as such, he was given the name “The Sun King”
Lived a life of luxury and extravagance
Lived like this to show his power and wealth
“I am the State!”
Great patron to the arts – made sure that art focused on his greatness
Best example of luxurious life – Palace of Versailles

5. Successes and Failures of Louis XIV
Increased power of the king
French army was strongest in Europe (300,000 men)
France is wealthiest state in Europe
French customs and culture spreads throughout Europe
Promote the arts
Failures
Got involved in costly wars that led to poor results
Europe sees France as the enemy
Persecutes Protestants, causing many to flee and hurt French economy

6. The Palace of Versailles
Expanded a small residence into one of the largest and most opulent palaces ever built by a European monarch
Center of the French monarchy until the French Revolution started in 1789
Required nobility to spend a certain amount of time here so that Louis could demonstrate his power and generosity to them

7. Palace of Versailles Over 1/3 of a mile long on 2000 acres of land
Surrounded by beautiful gardens with over 1400 fountains in them
700 rooms