Crash Course: European History - The Second Half of the 17th Century

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Focus: Second half of the 17th century in Europe
• Main events: End of the Thirty Years War, rise of absolutism, and the Scientific Revolution
• Highlight: Life was difficult for common people, but kings like Louis XIV enjoyed increasing power.

Absolutism and Louis XIV

• Louis XIV, the "Sun King," was the epitome of absolutism.
  • Reigned for over 70 years.
  • Believed to have a divine right to rule.
• Portrait of Louis XIV
  • Depicted in regal attire: black wig, ermine, and fleurs-de-lis.
  • Fashion of the time emphasized men's legs.
• Began reigning at age four in 1643.

Context of Louis XIV's Reign

• 30 Years War had ended, but France was in turmoil.
• France faced heavy taxation and famine.
• Louis XIII's reign saw numerous rebellions due to taxes to fund wars.
• Anne of Austria and Cardinal Mazarin ruled as regents.

Challenges During Regency

• Continued war efforts, especially against Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs.
• Protests from peasants and nobility due to heavy taxation.
• Movement of the royal court multiple times for safety.
• Taxes caused extreme poverty: judges noted people sold furniture to pay taxes.

France's Nobility and Bureaucracy

• Paulette Tax: Established by Henry IV, allowed officials to secure their positions.
• Nobles of the robe (bureaucrats) vs. nobles of the sword (military service).
• Anne tried to remove these officials, leading to significant protests like the Fronde.

Religious and Political Movements

• Rise of Jansenism: Advocated spiritual purity and challenged the church's practices.
• Fronde Rebellion: Nobility opposed tax increases without consent.

Louis XIV's Absolute Rule

• Crowned at age 15.
• Strategy: Divert nobility with court life (Versailles).
  • Versailles: Expanded from a hunting lodge to a lavish palace.
  • Court life involved rituals and entertainment.
• Divine Right Theory: Preached by Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet.
  • Kings are seen as divine and absolute rulers.

Religious Intolerance

• Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685, causing Protestant flight from France.

Key Figures and Policies

• Jean-Baptiste Colbert: Managed finances, promoted mercantilism.
• Mercantilism: Economic policy of fixed wealth and zero-sum competition.
• French expansion into North America for resources like furs.

Wars During Louis XIV's Reign

• War of Devolution: Gains in the north.
• Dutch War: Additional land gains.
• War of the League of Augsburg: Lost previous gains.
• War of Spanish Succession: Losses to Britain, significant impact.

Criticisms and Impact of Absolutism

• Absolutism seen as tyrannical and demanding conformity.
  • High taxation and loss of life in wars.
• Criticized by exiled Huguenots and English observers.
• Constitutionalism in England emerged as an alternative, though not less violent.

Conclusion

• Absolutism cost the French public greatly in terms of rights and resources.
• The era laid the groundwork for future political developments.

Credits

• Filmed in the Jaden Smith studio, Indianapolis.
• Animators: Thought Cafe.
• Encouragement to explore more Crash Course topics.