age of absolutism: king louis xiv objective: the students will be able to explain the theory and...
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Age of Absolutism:King Louis XIV
Objective: The students will be able to explain the theory and
implications of absolutist rule in France under King Louis XIV.
“L’etat, c’est moi (I am the state)” –Louis XIV
THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE
THE FRENCH MODEL
Effective centralization of authority into hands of monarch
Louis XIV as embodiment of absolutist rule
Absolutism had limitations & power-sharing
But foundations laid by rulers before him
THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE
17TH CENTURY FRANCE
Pinnacle of power, wealth, prestige
Overseas exploration & expansion
Cultural & intellectual leader
THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE
17TH CENTURY FRANCE
Forms of authority
Estates General
Parlements
towns & cities
regional “customs”
MonarchyEstates General
THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE
BUILDING ABSOLUTSIM
Louis XIII (r. 1610-1643) and Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642)
reduced power of nobility
restricted local authorities
Louis XIII
Cardinal Richelieu
created intendants
THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE
BUILDING ABSOLUTISM
Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715) and Cardinal Mazarin (1602-1661)
The Fronde (1648)
Louis takes reigns of power, 1661
Young Louis XIV
Cardinal Mazarin
Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683)
• Served as controller of finances from 1662-1683.
• Supported mercantilist policies.
• Built roads and canals.• Credited for many of
Louis’ economic successes and failures.
THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE
RULE OF LOUIS XIV
Solidified absolutism
National army
THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE
RULE OF LOUIS XIV
Solidified absolutism
National army
New center of govt: Versailles
Elaborate court ritual
Versailles
THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE
RULE OF LOUIS XIV
Solidified absolutism
Promoted own image:
• Sun King
• Louis the Great
• God’s representative on earth
THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE
RULE OF LOUIS XIV
Centralization of govt.
built up royal administration
decreased other sources of authority
expanded intendant system
THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE
RULE OF LOUIS XIV
Religious unification
“One king, one law, one faith”
Revoked Edict of Nantes, 1685
THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE
LIMITS OF ABSOLUTISM
Dependant on many advisors & bureaucrats
Compromised with vested interests
Many old privileges & customs continued to exist