Louis XIV and Absolutism in France

Louis XIV: The Sun King

• Reign: Began at age 4 in 1643, crowned in 1654.
• Power and Influence: Regarded as the epitome of absolute monarchy, known as the "Sun King."
• Versailles: Moved the government to Versailles, creating a grand palace complex.
  • Served as a tool to control the nobility by engaging them in court life.
  • Hosted operas and plays to augment his image.
• Challenges: Faced rebellions, such as the Fronde, due to heavy taxation and famine.
• Wars: Engaged in four major wars, which had mixed outcomes for France.

Absolutism: Theory and Justification

• Definition: A political system where one ruler holds all power within a country's boundaries.
• Divine Right: The idea that kings are appointed by God and accountable only to Him.
• Theoretical Support: Advocated by Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet, claiming rulers act as God's ministers.

Development and Causes of Absolutism

• Historical Context: Developed in Europe during the 16th-18th centuries.
• Contributing Factors:
  • Decline of feudalism and rise of cities.
  • Growth of national kingdoms centralizing power.
  • Religious and territorial conflicts fueling desire for strong leadership.
• Economic Policies: Led by officials like Jean-Baptiste Colbert, promoting mercantilism.

Effects of Absolutism

• Short-Term:
  • Increased monarchial power and centralized authority.
  • Development of bureaucracies to manage economic life.
  • Religious conformity enforced, e.g., revocation of the Edict of Nantes.
• Long-Term:
  • Frequent wars leading to economic strain.
  • Taxation causing public discontent.
  • Nobility's power diminished through manipulation.
  • Questions about the sustainability of absolutist rule by the end of Louis XIV's reign.

Historical Context and Geography

• Map of Europe in 1648: Highlights political divisions post-Thirty Years' War.

Study Guide Questions

1. Divine Right Theory: Monarch's authority from God.
2. Louis XIV's Title: Known as the "Sun King."
3. The Fronde: Series of uprisings in France.
4. Paulette Tax: Paid by officials to retain or sell positions.
5. Nobles of the Robe: Purchase-based status.
6. Move to Versailles: To centralize power.
7. Jansenism: Catholic movement challenging church practices.
8. Mercantilism: Economic policy focusing on trade balance.
9. Jean-Baptiste Colbert: Finance minister under Louis XIV.
10. Revocation of the Edict of Nantes: Protestant emigration.

Essay Topics

1. Challenges to Louis XIV's rule, including noble resistance.
2. Evaluation of strategies for maintaining power.
3. Comparison of the Fronde and Dutch Revolt.
4. Analysis of mercantilism under Colbert.
5. Impact of Louis XIV's foreign policy.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Absolutism: Total power by a ruler.
• Divine Right: Authority from God.
• Treaty of Westphalia: 1648 treaties ending the Thirty Years' War.
• Versailles: Palace symbolizing Louis XIV's power.
• Mercantilism: Economic policy for state power.
• Fronde: Civil uprisings in France.
• Nobles of the Robe: Officials with purchased titles.
• Jansenism: Catholic reform movement.
• Edict of Nantes: Rights to Protestants, later revoked.
• Jean-Baptiste Colbert: Finance minister, mercantilism advocate.