The Reign of Louis XIV

Chapter 21, Section 2

Essential Questions:

What were the origins of the Bourbon dynasty?

How did religious differences in France lead to conflict

How did Louis XIV consolidate power in order to become the absolute ruler of France?

What was the legacy of Louis XIV?

Religious Wars and Power Struggles

Henry of Navarre Henry, who was a

French Calvinist (Huguenot) ascends to French throne in 1589 and converts to Catholicism ending the religious wars.

Becomes Henry IV- the first king of the Bourbon Dynasty

Issues Edict of Nantes—a declaration of religious toleration- designed to heal the religious divisions that existed within France

Henry IV- Was unfortunately stabbed and killed by a religious fanatic in 1610

Religious Wars and Power Struggles

Louis XIII was a weak king, but : Appoints Cardinal Richelieu in

1624 as minister who rules France. He was ambitious and enjoyed his authority.

Increases power of the Bourbons by limiting Huguenots’ freedom

Also weakens power of the nobility by having them take down their fortified castles. He also relied upon government agents from the middle class rather than from the nobility.

He also involved France in the Thirty Years War in order to thwart Habsburg power (but more on that later…)

Picture of Louis XIII, oh la la….

Writers Turn Toward Skepticism

A New Attitude Skepticism—the idea that nothing can

be known for certain. It resulted from those who were horrified by groups that claimed to be the only ones with a correct set of doctrines.

Montaigne and Descartes Montaigne explores ideas about life’s

meaning in essays. Descartes uses observation and reason

to create new philosophy and help develop scientific method.

Louis XIV Comes to Power A New French Ruler

Louis XIV was the most powerful ruler in French history, calling himself the Sun King

Louis the Boy King (age 5) Hatred of Cardinal

Mazarin, Louis’ minister while he was a boy, lead to riots, mainly from the nobility. It was referred to as the Time of the Fronde (1648-1653). Louis felt humiliated by the nobility.

As a result, Louis grew up hating the nobility, determined to consolidate all power unto himself

Louis Weakens the Nobles Authority

After Cardinal Mazarin died, Louis took control of the government in 1661 at the age of 22 years old.He appointed intendants—government agents—to collect taxes (taking this power out of the hands of the nobility).Louis took the sun as the symbol of his absolute power and was often quoted as saying, “L’etat, c’est moi”—“I am the state.” He believed just like the sun everything revolved around him. During his 72-year reign, Louis did not once call a meeting of the Estates General.

Estates General

Estates General Similar to Parliament, but not a

standing body Representatives from each of the 3

classes of French society 1st Estate - Clergy 2nd Estate – Nobles 3rd Estate – Everyone else bourgeoisie, artists, farmers,

Peasants, city workers

EconomicsEconomic Growth

Jean Baptiste Colbert—finance minister—helps the economy grow. He believes in mercantilism (the idea that France could be self-sufficient through manufacturing its own goods and creating high tariffs on imported goods).In 1685, Louis cancels Edict of Nantes; Huguenots flee France, including thousands of artisans and business people.This robbed France of many skilled workers.

The Sun King’s Grand Style

A Life of Luxury Louis lives very well, with every meal a

feast. Louis Controls the Nobility

Louis keeps nobles at palace to increase his power over them.

Builds magnificent palace at Versailles Patronage of the Arts

Versailles is a center of arts during reign of Louis XIV

Purpose of the arts is to glorify Louis

France

Palace of Versailles pictures Louis turned a hunting lodge into a

¼ mile 1300 room Palace. As many as 10,000 people lived there

(keep your friends close and your enemies closer!)

Used Palace as a way of lessening the power of the nobles The palace was proof of his absolute

power In 2003, it cost an estimated $2.5 billion to

build Levee ceremony

Panoramic view of Versailles Palace

Another view of Versailles Palace

The Versailles Palace Today

Drawing of Versailles from above

Queen’s Bed Chamber

Louis Fights Disastrous Wars

Attempts to Expand France’s Boundaries Louis fights wars in the 1660s and

1670s to expand France. 1667-Invades Spanish Netherlands

(successful). 1672-Invades Dutch Netherlands (not as

successful). In 1680s, fearing Louis’ growing power,

many countries unite against him in League of Augsburg

France is weakened by poor harvests, warfare, and high taxes.

Louis Fights Disastrous Wars War of Spanish Succession

Cause: Spain’s Habsburg king, Charles II, dies

with no heir. He promises his throne to Louis XIV’s grandson. Now the two greatest powers in Europe were now ruled by the French Bourbons

Other countries felt threatened by this increase in Bourbon power

War of Spanish Succession begins in 1701 This war attempts to prevent the union of

the French and Spanish throne. War ends in 1714; France and Spain lose

some possessions; Great Britain and Austria gain territories

Louis Fights Disastrous Wars

Louis’s Death and Legacy Louis dies leaving mixed legacy Rule makes France a major military and

cultural power in Europe His wars and palace leave France with

heavy debts. He creates a lifestyle which following

French kings could not sustain.

France

Louis greatly strengthened royal power.

The French army became the strongest in Europe.

France became the wealthiest state in Europe.

French culture, manners, and customs became the European standard.

The arts flourished in France.

Louis engaged in costly wars that had disastrous results.

Rival rulers joined forces to check French ambitions.

Louis persecuted the Huguenots, causing many to flee France. Their departure was a huge blow to the French economy.

SUCCESSES FAILURES