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How was Louis XVI described?
Only 20 years old at the time, Louis XVI was immature and lacked self-confidence. While Louis XVI wanted to be a good king and help his subjects, he faced enormous debt and rising resentment towards a despotic monarchy. His failure to successfully address serious fiscal problems would dog him for most of his reign.
What kind of person was Louis XIV?
He was a religious bigot. A devout Catholic, Louis XIV believed in the motto, “one king, one law, one faith.” To that end, he mercilessly cracked down on the country's Protestants, known as Huguenots, who made up roughly 5 percent of the population.
What are Louis XIV character traits?
Louis was often cited as being “naturally prudent, moderate, and reserved; always master of his tongue and emotions.” It was said that “God had given him all that was necessary for him to be a good king, perhaps also to be a fairly great one” (Steingrad, 2007).
Was Louis the 14th a good king?
Louis XIV's reign was important in French history not just because it lasted so long but because he was a strong-willed ruler who was determined to make his subjects obey him and to make his kingdom the predominant power in Europe.
Was the Sun King cruel?
The “Sun King” Louis XIV (reigned 1643-1715) was not only one of the most cultured kings of France, but one of the cruellest. He started wars, bombarded cities, and persecuted French protestants after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685.
Why was Louis XIV called the Sun King?
King by divine right. At the start of his reign, before turning to more political allegories, Louis XIV chose the sun as his personal emblem. The sun is the symbol of Apollo, god of peace and the arts; it is also the star which gives life to all things, rising and setting with unfailing regularity.
What was king Louis known for?
Known as the “Sun King,” Louis XIV centralized power in the monarchy and reigned over a period of unprecedented prosperity in which France became the dominant power in Europe and a leader in the arts and sciences.
What good things did Louis XIV do?
10 Major Accomplishments of Louis XIV of France#1 He implemented reforms which improved commerce and trade.#2 More efficient taxation was introduced.#3 He reformed legally irregular France through his Code Louis.#4 Louis XIV encouraged the development of the arts during his age.More items...•
How was Louis XIV an absolute ruler?
An absolute monarchy is one in which the king is God's representative on Earth, giving him absolute power that's free from all restraints. He created a centralized state that gave him complete power over the French government. King Louis XIV was an absolute monarch because he answered only to God.
Why is Louis XIV the best example of an absolute monarch?
Louis believed that he was the only one responsible for governing France when he ruled from 1643 to 1715. Louis serves as an excellent example of the absolute monarch who commanded complete loyalty and imposed his vision on his country without consideration of the consequences.
Who was the best absolute ruler?
King Louis XIV of France was considered the best example of absolute monarchy.
Who is the king of France today?
Louis Alphonse de Bourbon (Spanish: Luis Alfonso Gonzalo Víctor Manuel Marco de Borbón y Martínez-Bordiú; French: Louis Alphonse Gonzalve Victor Emmanuel Marc de Bourbon; born 25 April 1974) is the head of the French branch of the House of Bourbon.
Why was Louis XIV the best absolute monarch?
Louis serves as an excellent example of the absolute monarch who commanded complete loyalty and imposed his vision on his country without consideration of the consequences. A tutor to his son once said, “As God's representative on Earth, the king was entitled to unquestioning obedience.
What was Louis XIV famous quote?
Every time I appoint someone to a vacant position, I make a hundred unhappy and one ungrateful. There is little that can withstand a man who can conquer himself. It is impossible to please all the world.
Was Louis XIII a good king?
By 1642, however, substantial victories had been won in the war against the Spaniards, and Louis XIII was subsequently respected as one of the most powerful rulers in Europe.
How did Louis XIV maintain power?
According to Milton Meltzer, how did Louis XIV maintain and consolidate power? According to Milton Meltzer, Louis XIV maintained and consolidated power by imposing religious affair. He made most of the French Protestants convert to Catholic. If they didn't listen to him or convert to Catholic, he executed him.
What is Louis XIV known for?
Louis XIV, king of France (1643–1715), ruled his country, principally from his great palace at Versailles, during one of the country’s most brillia...
How old was Louis XIV when he acceded to the throne?
Louis XIV succeeded his father as king of France on May 14, 1643, at the age of four years eight months. According to the laws of the kingdom, he b...
How did Louis XIV die?
Louis XIV died in 1715, four days shy of his 77th birthday, from gangrene associated with an infection in his leg.
How did Louis XIV influence the world?
By the early 1680s, Louis had greatly augmented French influence in the world. Domestically, he successfully increased the influence of the crown and its authority over the church and aristocracy, thus consolidating absolute monarchy in France.
Where was Louis XIV born?
Louis XIV was born on 5 September 1638 in the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. He was named Louis Dieudonné (Louis the God-given) and bore the traditional title of French heirs apparent: Dauphin. At the time of his birth, his parents had been married for 23 years.
What was the name of the war that ended in France?
As the Thirty Years' War came to an end, a civil war known as the Fronde (after the slings used to smash windows) erupted in France. It effectively checked France's ability to exploit the Peace of Westphalia. Anne and Mazarin had largely pursued the policies of Cardinal Richelieu, augmenting the Crown's power at the expense of the nobility and the Parlements. Anne interfered much more in internal policy than foreign affairs; she was a very proud queen who insisted on the divine rights of the King of France.
How many statues did Louis XIV have?
In addition to portraits, Louis commissioned at least 20 statues of himself in the 1680s, to stand in Paris and provincial towns as physical manifestations of his rule. He also commissioned "war artists" to follow him on campaigns to document his military triumphs. To remind the people of these triumphs, Louis erected permanent triumphal arches in Paris and the provinces for the first time since the decline of the Roman Empire .
What was Louis's foreign policy?
Warfare defined Louis's foreign policy and his personality shaped his approach. Impelled by "a mix of commerce, revenge, and pique", he sensed that war was the ideal way to enhance his glory. In peacetime he concentrated on preparing for the next war.
What religion was Louis XIV?
Religion. Roman Catholicism ( Gallican Rite) Signature. Louis XIV (Louis Dieudonné; 5 September 1638 – 1 September 1715), also known as Louis the Great ( Louis le Grand) or the Sun King ( le Roi Soleil ), was King of France from 14 May 1643 until his death in 1715. His reign of 72 years and 110 days is the longest recorded of any monarch ...
When did Louis XIII decide to put his affairs in order?
Sensing imminent death, Louis XIII decided to put his affairs in order in the spring of 1643, when Louis XIV was four years old. In defiance of custom, which would have made Queen Anne the sole Regent of France, the king decreed that a regency council would rule on his son's behalf.
What did Louis XIV appreciate?
A hard-working and meticulous ruler who oversaw his programs down to the last detail, Louis XIV nevertheless appreciated art, literature, music, theater and sports.
When was Louis XIV born?
Early Life and Reign of Louis XIV. Born on September 5, 1638, to King Louis XIII of France (1601-1643) and his Habsburg queen, Anne of Austria (1601-1666), the future Louis XIV was his parents’ first child after 23 years of marriage; in recognition of this apparent miracle, he was christened Louis-Dieudonné, meaning “gift of God.”.
How many Huguenots lived in France?
Roughly 1 million Huguenots lived in France at the time, and many were artisans or other types of skilled workers. Although emigration of Protestants was explicitly forbidden by the Edict of Fontainebleau, scores of people—estimates range from 200,000 to 800,000—fled in the decades that followed, settling in England, Switzerland, Germany and the American colonies, among other places. Louis XIV’s act of religious zeal—advised, some have suggested, by the Marquise de Maintenon—had cost the country a valuable segment of its labor force while drawing the ire of its Protestant neighbors.
What were the aristocrats expected to do at the Palace of Versailles?
At the Palace of Versailles, aristocrats were expected to compete for the privilege of watching Louis XIV wake up, eat meals and prepare for bed. During the early years of Louis XIV’s reign, Anne and Mazarin introduced policies that further consolidated the monarchy’s power, angering nobles and members of the legal aristocracy.
How did Louis XIV die?
On September 1, 1715, four days before his 77th birthday, Louis XIV died of gangrene at Versailles. His reign had lasted 72 years, longer than that of any other known European monarch, and left an indelible mark on the culture, history and destiny of France. His 5-year-old great-grandson succeeded him as Louis XV.
What did Louis XIV do to the French government?
His finance minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683), implemented reforms that sharply reduced the deficit and fostered the growth of industry, while his war minister, the Marquis de Louvois (1641-1691), expanded and reorganized the French army. Louis also managed to pacify and disempower the historically rebellious nobles, who had fomented no less than 11 civil wars in four decades, by luring them to his court and habituating them to the opulent lifestyle there.
What did Louis XIV control?
Louis XIV Assumes Control of France. The Arts and the Royal Court Under Louis XIV. Louis XIV and Foreign Policy. Louis XIV and Religion. Death of Louis XIV. The reign of France’s Louis XIV (1638-1715), known as the Sun King, lasted for 72 years, longer than that of any other known European sovereign. In that time, he transformed the monarchy, ...
Why was Louis XIV's day timed?
The king’s day was timed to the minute to allow the officers in his service to plan their own work accordingly.
What time did Louis XIV leave his son in charge of the Bourbons?
If he decided to go hunting, the favourite sport of the Bourbons, the monarch would go to the park if he chose to hunt with weapons, and to the surrounding forest when hunting on horseback. 6 pm or 7 pm: Louis XIV often left his son in charge of indoor entertainment, such as Evening Gatherings.
How to take part in the history of the Palace of Versailles?
Take part in the history of the palace of Versailles by supporting a project that suits you: adopt a linden tree, contribute to the missions of the Palace or participate in the refurnishing of the royal apartments.
What time did the King get up?
8.30 am: the First Valet de Chambre woke the king with “Sire, it’s time to get up”. After a visit from the First Doctor and First Surgeon, the first getting-up ceremony began. Members of the entourage, those with important roles and certain friends who enjoyed the privilege of attending such moments successively entered the King’s Bedchamber while the sovereign was washed, combed and shaved. Then the Officers of the Chamber and of the Clothes Storehouse entered for the grand getting-up ceremony, during which the king was dressed and drank soup for breakfast. As well as the most important members of the Court, the closest royal servants were allowed to watch this ceremony. The number of spectators, all male, was probably around 100.
What time did the crowd rush into the King's Antechamber?
10 pm: the crowd would hurry into the King’s Antechamber to attend the dinner at the Royal Table. The king sat down to dinner with the members of the royal family. Once the meal was over, the monarch crossed the room and entered the salon to greet the ladies of the court. He then retired to his cabinet to converse more freely with his family and a few close friends.
How long did the tribune last in the royal chapel?
Some could speak briefly to him or slip him a written note. The king sat down in the tribune in the Royal Chapel for mass, which lasted half an hour.
What did Louis XIV's mother inculcate in him?
To his traditional enemies Louis now added the entire Protestant world. His mother had inculcated in him a narrow and simplistic religion, and he understood nothing of the Reformation. He viewed French Protestants as potential rebels.
Who painted Louis XIV and his family?
Louis XIV and His Family, oil painting by Nicolas de Largillière, 1711; in the Wallace Collection, London. Versailles was approximately the price of a modern airport; it was an object of universal admiration and enhanced French prestige. All the power of the government was brought to bear in the construction of Versailles.
What was the Sun King's zenith?
The Sun King was at his zenith. Almost alone he had defeated a formidable coalition (Spain and the Holy Roman emperor had joined the Dutch against him) and dictated terms to the enemy. He had extended the frontier of France in the north by annexing part of Flanders and in the east by seizing Lorraine and Franche-Comté. His fleet equaled those of England and Holland. Paris called him “the Great.” In his court he was an object of adoration, and as he approached age 40 he could view himself as far surpassing all other men.
What was Louis XIV's patronage?
Patronage of the arts of Louis XIV. Louis’s great fortune was in having among his subjects an extraordinary group of men in every area of activity. He knew well how to make use of them. He was the protector of writers, notably Molière and Jean Racine, whom he ordered to sing his praises, and he imposed his own visions of beauty ...
When did Louis XIV move to Versailles?
In 1682 the seat of government was transferred to Versailles. The following year marked a turning point in the life and reign of Louis XIV. The queen died, and the king secretly married Mme de Maintenon, who imperceptibly gained in political influence.
Where is Louis XIV's family painting?
Louis XIV and His Family, oil painting by Nicolas de Largillière, 1711; in the Wallace Collection, London.
Who did Louis de La Vallière have a love affair with?
Louis attended to every detail, while at the same time giving dazzling entertainment and carrying on a tumultuous love affair with Louise de La Vallière. In 1667 he invaded the Spanish Netherlands, which he regarded as his wife’s inheritance, thus beginning a series of wars that lasted for a good part of his reign.
What did Louis XIV think of the world?
Louis XIV thought that the world should revolve around him. Louis XIV did not do anything for the good of France, he would only do things that benefited him, and he treated the people of France very poorly. Louis XIV was a very conceited person. He thought that everything and everyone should revolve around him.
How did Louis XIV treat the people of France?
Louis XIV treated the people of France unfairly and he didn’t seem to care about their well-being. Louis XIV suppressed the Catholic church, and Nobles. He made the Nobles wait on him. Louis XIV weakened the power of the nobles and excluded them from his councils. This supports my thesis that Louis XIV was the best example ...
Why did Louis XIV call himself Sun King?
Louis XIV led an absolute monarchy in France. He called himself “Sun King” because he thought that everyone and everything should revolve around him. He made sure that he had absolute power over everyone and no one else had a say in ...
What was the best example of an absolute monarch?
Louis XIV: An Absolute Monarchy Of France. Louis XIV was the best example of an absolute monarch. Louis XIV ruled in France from 1643 until 1715. During his reign, he ensured that he was in absolute power, and control the whole time. Louis XIV thought that the world should revolve around him.
Why was Julius Caesar assassinated?
Cassius Dio adds, “The name of monarchy, to be sure, the Romans so detested that they called their emperors neither dictators nor kings nor anything of the sort; yet since the final authority for the government devolves upon them, they must need kings.” The reason why Julius Caesar was assassinated was because he did not care enough on how the senate and people perceived him. He acted in public as a monarch in which roman republic tradition condemns. Octavian was intelligent enough to understand that you can be an emperor but you have to
What was the role of Nicholas II in Russia?
Tsar Nicholas II’s autocratic ruling of Russia contributed to a variety of problems in which Nicholas II failed to address, as he believed that he was appointed by God to rule Russia and continue to the autocratic system of ruling which he inherited from his father, and grandfather before him. Nicholas II had mixed emotions about ruling Russia, which was detrimental in bringing about his undoing, due to the simple fact that he knew nothing about being a successful Tsar. In a letter to his brother in law, Nicholas expresses his discontent of becoming Tsar. “What is going to happen to me…to mother, to all of Russia. I am not prepared to be a Tsar.
What was the role of Louis XVI in the French Revolution?
Louis XVI had a huge role in causing the French Revolution. However it was not just Louis who caused the French Revolution, there was bad harvest which led the people hungry and there were the very angry peasants. Louis played a large role in causing the French Revolution.
What is the 300th anniversary of Louis XIV's death?
September 1 marks the 300th anniversary of the death of King Louis XIV, France’s longest-reigning monarch. Logging 72 years on the throne, Louis eclipsed Queen Victoria by a decade. But this tercentenary also commemorates a beginning: the birth of haute couture as people know it today, seasonal, corporate, media-driven, and—above all—French.
What was Louis XIV's new deal?
Louis XIV set out to change that, and, over the course of his long reign, he succeeded brilliantly. Luxury was Louis’s New Deal: The furniture, textile, clothing, and jewelry industries he established not only provided jobs for his subjects, but made France the world’s leader in taste and technology. His shrewd finance minister, Jean-Baptiste ...
What was the Sun King's standard of living?
The lavish standard of living and the intricate program of etiquette the Sun King introduced continued to define the French monarchy right up until the French Revolution of 1789.
Who said French are naturally changeable?
As the economist Jacques de Savary observed in his 1675 treatise Le Parfait Negociant, “the French are naturally changeable”; fashion as we know it today is a reflection of the national character, conveniently aligned with the king’s economic goals.
Who said fashions were to France what the mines of Peru were to Spain?
His shrewd finance minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, famously said that “fashions were to France what the mines of Peru were to Spain”—in other words, the source of an extremely lucrative domestic and export commodity.
Overview
Louis XIV (Louis Dieudonné; 5 September 1638 – 1 September 1715), also known as Louis the Great (Louis le Grand) or the Sun King (le Roi Soleil), was King of France from 14 May 1643 until his death in 1715. His reign of 72 years and 110 days is the longest recorded of any monarch of a sovereign country in history. Although Louis XIV's France was emblematic of the age of absolutism i…
Early years
Louis XIV was born on 5 September 1638 in the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. He was named Louis Dieudonné (Louis the God-given) and bore the traditional title of French heirs apparent: Dauphin. At the time of his birth, his parents had been married for 23 years. His mother had experienced four stillbirths between 1619 and 1631. Leading contemporaries thus regarded him as a divine gift and his birth a miracle of God.
Minority and the Fronde
Sensing imminent death, Louis XIII decided to put his affairs in order in the spring of 1643, when Louis XIV was four years old. In defiance of custom, which would have made Queen Anne the sole Regent of France, the king decreed that a regency council would rule on his son's behalf. His lack of faith in Queen Anne's political abilities was his primary rationale. He did, however, make the concess…
Personal reign and reforms
Louis XIV was declared to have reached the age of majority on 7 September 1651. On the death of Mazarin, in March 1661, Louis assumed personal control of the reins of government and astonished his court by declaring that he would rule without a chief minister: "Up to this moment I have been pleased to entrust the government of my affairs to the late Cardinal. It is now time that I govern t…
Early wars in the Low Countries
The death of his maternal uncle King Philip IV of Spain, in 1665, precipitated the War of Devolution. In 1660, Louis had married Philip IV's eldest daughter, Maria Theresa, as one of the provisions of the 1659 Treaty of the Pyrenees. The marriage treaty specified that Maria Theresa was to renounce all claims to Spanish territory for herself and all her descendants. Mazarin and Lionne, howe…
Height of power
By the early 1680s, Louis had greatly augmented French influence in the world. Domestically, he successfully increased the influence of the crown and its authority over the church and aristocracy, thus consolidating absolute monarchy in France.
Louis initially supported traditional Gallicanism, which limited papal authority in …
Edict of Fontainebleau
Louis decided to persecute Protestants and revoke the 1598 Edict of Nantes, which awarded Huguenots political and religious freedom. He saw the persistence of Protestantism as a disgraceful reminder of royal powerlessness. After all, the Edict was the pragmatic concession of his grandfather Henry IV to end the longstanding French Wars of Religion. An additional factor in Louis' thi…
Nine Years' War
The Nine Years' War, which lasted from 1688 to 1697, initiated a period of decline in Louis's political and diplomatic fortunes. It arose from two events in the Rhineland. First, in 1685, the Elector Palatine Charles II died. All that remained of his immediate family was Louis's sister-in-law, Elizabeth Charlotte. German law ostensibly barred her from succeeding to her brother's lands and electoral …