The Reign of Louis XIV

The Sun King

After a century of war and riots, France was ruled by Louis XIV, the most powerful monarch

of his time.

Focus QuestionHow did France become

a leading power in Europe under the

absolute rule of Louis XIV?

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.

What rights did the Edict of Nantes extend to Huguenots?

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

How did Richelieu’s actions toward Huguenots

and the nobility strengthen the monarchy?

Cardinal Richelieu at the Siege of La Rochelle

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

Cardinal Mazarin

• 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

Colbert Presenting the Members of the Royal Academy of Sciences to Louis XIV

• 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

The King expected all noblemen to live with him at Versailles.

How does Louis gain the upper hand over

the nobles?

Ceremony of the life of the Court in Versailles

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

How did Louis’s actions weaken France’s economy?