France Under Louis XIVChapter 4 Section 2Objectives:1. Understand how Henry IV rebuilt France after the wars of religion2. Explain how Louis XIV became an absolute monarch3. Describe how Versailles was a symbol of royal power

I. Henry IV Restores Order French Wars of Religion

1560’s – 1590’s Catholics v. Huguenots (French Protestants)

France at this time is primarily Catholic Huguenots

7% of the Population (18 Million) 50% of the Nobility

This was a Protestant threat to the crown St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre

Catholic massacre of 3000 Huguenots Symbolized the complete breakdown of French Order This ignited the French Wars of Religion that last another 15

years

1589 Henry of Navarre takes the throne

Takes the Name Henry IV To save face with the people

Converts to Catholicism “Paris is worth a mass”

1598 Edict of Nantes

Gives Huguenots religious freedoms Converting and issuing the Edict saved France and paved

the way for the Monarchy

II. Louis XIII and Richelieu Henry IV is assassinated in 1610

His son Louis XIII takes over 9 years old

Cardinal Richelieu becomes his Chief MinisterRichelieu was the real ruler of France from 1624 until 1642

Focuses on destroying the Huguenots

Reduces their independences Defeats the Huguenot armies

III. Louis XIV Takes the throne in 1643

4 years old Would rule for 72 years

Longest ruling monarch in European History Cardinal Mazarin will serve as his Chief Minster until 1663

At age 23 takes complete control of the Government L'état, c'est moi

I am the state Known as the Sun King

The Light of his people He did not share his power with parliament

The Estates General French Representative Assembly

Not called once during Louis’ Reign

Strengthening the State The French Army

Largest in Europe at 300,000 men Used to enforce laws at home and in colonies

Jean Baptiste Colbert French Minster of Finance

His policies helped make France the wealthiest State in Europe Versailles

Palace outside of Paris King’s Home Center of Government Symbol of Louis’ Power and Wealth

III. Revocation of the Edict of Nantes Louis XIV was a Catholic King

Revokes the Edict of Nantes Take Back

100,000 Huguenots flee France Major blow to the French economy