2. Absolutism Sovereign power (ultimate authority) in the state rested in the hands of a king who claimed to rule by divine right. –Make laws, tax, administer justice, determine foreign policy, etc…

3. 1589 Henry IV inherits the crown –Edict of Nantes (1598) Assassinated in 1610 Marie de’ Medici regent to Louis XIII Cardinal Richelieu appointed minister Richelieu sets the stage for absolutism…

4. Subordinate all groups to the monarch; curb power of the nobility Intendants –Each district/province has an intendant for financial, judicial and policing New nobility Elected to and reported directly to king Not natives to district –PURPOSE: Enforce royal orders and weaken the regional nobility

5. Foreign policy of Richelieu focused on fighting Hapsburgs –1631 France joins Luthern Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden to fight against Catholic Hapsburgs in 30 Years War Economics: New government policies require money

6. Cardinal Mazarin and Louis XIV succeed 1648-53 Fronde –Anger from French nobility over taxes Mazarin dies in 1661; Louis XIV takes supreme power

7. Up to this moment, I have been pleased to entrust the government of my affairs to the late Cardinal. It is now time that I govern them myself. You [secretaries and ministers of state] will assist me with your counsels when I ask for them. I request and order you to seal no orders except by my command…I order you not to sign anything, not even a passport…without my command; to render account to me personally each day and to favor no one.

8. Louis XIV

12. Government Versailles –Personal household of king –Location of central government –Place for nobility to seek power/favors High nobility were not part of administrative and legislative bodies

13. Religious Policy Revoke Edict of Nantes Asserted the secular power of the crown against religious authority –200,000 Huguenots flee France –Weakened economy

14. Financial Issues Jean-Baptiste Colbert –Controller of General Finance –Increase power and wealth through adherence to mercantilism Worked to expand domestic industry Raise tariffs on imports

15. Court life at Versailles Residence Reception hall for state affairs Offices for government Home of royal officials and royal courtiers Adherence to court etiquette was necessary for survival A form of control for Louis

16. Wars of Louis XIV War of Spanish Succession –Charles II leaves throne to grandson of Louis XIV (Philip V) –England, Netherlands, Austria, German states oppose France and Spain for fear that the crowns will unite –Peace of Utrecht 1713 Thrones of Spain and France remain separate Spanish Netherlands, Milan and Naples given to Austria England receives Gibraltar and French possessions in America