Absolutism: France & Louis XIV (1550-1800)

I. Rebuilding France

• Religious wars huguenots (Bourbons) vs. catholics (Guises)

• Bourbons win, Henry IV takes over, grants Edict of Nantes

• Begins expansion of power, increased size of the bureaucracy

o Henry was assassinated & Louis XIII inherits the throne (age 9)o Cardinal Richelieu is appointed to help run the gov’t, against the Nobles & Huguenots, gave nobles high posts in gov’t/armyo even though not a king, able to strengthen power of the monarchy

"I have the consolation of leaving your kingdom in the highest degree of glory and of reputation."

II. Boy King to Sun King

• Louis XIV inherited the throne (5), Cardinal Mazarin was his Chief Minister

• When Mazarin died, Louis XIV (23) didn’t replace him

“I have been pleased to entrust the government of my affairs to the late Cardinal, it is now time that I govern them myself.”

believed in divine rightTook sun as his symbolL’etat, c’est moi” – I am the stateIncreased size of Army to largest in Europe 300,000Intendants (taxes, recruiters, governors)Colbert ran the finances (protective tariffs, colonies, manufacturing of luxuries)Never allowed Estates General to meet in 72 years

III. Palace @ Versailles

Former hunting lodge 14 miles outside of Paris Housed 10,000 Nobles competed for roles in daily ceremonies

(levee – the rising) Finest art, statues, fountains (1400) Main palace had 1200 rooms Hall of Mirrors was lit by 3000 candles www.virtourist.com/europe/versailles/01.htm www.chateauversailles.fr/en/131_Gardens_and_

groves.php

IV. Success & Failures

French culture, customs, manners became the standard in Europe

#1 mistake: revoked Edict of Nantes, Huguenots fled

Fought too many wars, other countries joined against him to maintain the balance of power