the reign of louis xiv the sun king. after a century of war and riots, france was ruled by louis...
TRANSCRIPT
After a century of war and riots, France was ruled by Louis XIV, the most powerful monarch
of his time.
Religious Wars & Power Struggles• In 1572, the St.
Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in Paris started a six-week, nationwide slaughter of Huguenots.
• 8 wars between Huguenots & Catholics
• Henry of Navarre, 1589-1610– Issues the Edict of
Nantes– Peace finally!– Increases royal power.
Louis XIII & Cardinal Richelieu
• Cardinal Richelieu rules France
• Increases power of the Bourbons by limiting Huguenots freedom– Outlaws Huguenot
armies– Nobles given high
posts at court• Weakens power of
nobility to strengthen the central government
Louis XIV 1643-1715
• Most powerful ruler in French history
• Uprising called the Fronde– Nobles, merchants,
and peasants rioted
• Baby King – Cardinal Mazarin rules until Louis is 23
• Takes control in 1661• “L’état, c’est moi”
– Uses intendants – government agents – to collect taxes
– Built strong army– Never called a meeting
of the Estates-General
• Economic Growth – Jean Baptiste Colbert, finance minister– Imposed mercantilist
policies• High tariffs on imported
goods• Carefully regulated trade
with overseas colonies
• Life of Luxury– Versailles
• Designed to be a symbol of royal wealth and power
• Elaborate court ceremonies called the levée
– Patron of the arts• Drama, painting,
ballet
At the court of King Louis XIV of France people would petition to be allowed the privilege of standing on the
sidelines to watch the King eating.
• Expansion of boundaries
• Internal problems– Poor harvests,
wars, high taxes
• War of the Spanish Succession 1701-1714
• Cancels Edict of Nantes
• Mixed Legacy• France major
military and cultural power, but lots of debt