1. The Reign of Louis XIV

2. Religious Wars
1572- the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre killed thousands of Huguenots.
Henry IV became Catholic after taking the throne.
Edict of Nantes declared religious tolerance in France
Cardinal Richelieu moved against the Huguenots and involved France in the Thirty Years War to limit Hapsburg competition.

3. Louis XIV Gains Control
Became king at four years old. Cardinal Mazarin controlled France: ended the Thirty Years War, increased taxes, and built a strong central government.
When he took control, Louis created a system on intendants to collect taxes and administer justice
Jean Baptiste Colbert created economic policies to expand manufacturing and encourage immigration to the colonies to promote the fur trade.

4. Louis XIV’s Lifestyle
Built the palace at Versailles with at least servants.
Most nobles were required to live at the palace.
Made ballets and operas more popular
Patronized arts that promoted Louis as the absolute monarch

5. Wars
Louis fought many border wars and taxed the people to pay for them.
Louis’s grandson became king of Spain. Most of Europe fought to prevent this during the War of Spanish Succession, but he kept the throne.

6. Legacy France developed art and literature.
France became a military leader and developed a strong colonial empire
Plunged France into debt
Resentment eventually led to revolution.
His absolute rule inspired other European monarchs