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Louis XIV was Born
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Louis XIV Takes the Throne
He was only 5 years old when he became king. Of course, he was aided as ruler by Cardinal Mazarin, a previous successor of Cardinal Richelieu who was a minister for Louis XIV's ancestor. -
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Cardinal Mazarin's Rule
Since Louis XIV was too young, Mazarin had to make the decisions for him. Mazarin increased taxes and strengthened the central government. Therefore, nobles threatened Louis XIV's life, and he was determined to become so strong he'd never be threatened again. Rebellion failed due to leaders distrusting each other more than Mazarin, the government using violent repression, and the people grew tired of disorder and fighting, convincing them that rebellion was worse than absolute laws. -
France is the Most Powerful Country in Europe
France's population was around 20 million people. The country was far ahead of other states' armies in size, training, and weaponry. -
Louis XIV Truly Takes the Throne
After Mazarin's death (1661), Louis XIV was 22, and he took action of his position. As payback to the nobles, he excluded them from his council and increased the power of the intendants - those who collected taxes and administered justice. The nobles became his servants, who helped him with his daily, clock-like routine; they were either approved in their work or not acknowledged. He also made sure to establish local officials who communicated regularly with him. -
Louis XIV's Love for the Arts
Louis XIV changed the purpose of the arts from glorifying God and human potential to glorifying himself as the absolute king. The shows promoted values of absolutism while the king acted or danced in some sightings. He made opera and ballet more popular, while some comedies mocked religious hypocrisy. From his performance in "The Sun King", he made his emblem the sun, associated with Apollo, the god of the sun and arts. For this, he believed he radiated power. -
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Jean Baptise Colbert
Colbert was Louis XIV's finance minister, who tried to make France self-sufficient. He gave government funds to companies, protected industries by putting a high tariff on foreign goods, and encouraged people to migrate to the colony in Canada. -
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France Expands its Borders
In 1667, France gained 12 towns from invading the Spanish Netherlands. This success encouraged Louis XIV. In 1672, the Dutch Netherlands escaped a fight, flooding the countryside. In 1678, the Treaty of Nijmegen ended the war, agreeing that France could have several towns and the region, Franche-Comté. Near the end of the 1800s, a Europeanwide alliance formed to stop France, which was weak from poor harvests, wars, and new taxes. -
Louis XIV Cancels the Edict of Nantes
Cancelling the Edict of Nantes - allowed enemies of Catholics (Huguenots) to live peacefully and worship in certain cities - made many Huguenot artisans and businessmen flee France. Economic progress slowed down, resulting in the loss of skilled workers. -
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War of the Spanish Succession
The death of the Spanish King meant that his promise to Philip of Anjou (Louis XIV's grandson) would be made to be the next king. However, other countries were threatened by the potential that France and Spain could unite, so the War of the Spanish Succession was brought into play. Luckily, in 1714, the Treaty of Utrecht allowed Philip to be king as long as France and Spain didn't unite. In the end, France gave the real winner, Great Britain many territories. -
Louis XIV's Death
Untimely, Louis XIV realized he brought France's destruction and suffering before dying in 1715. People had rejoiced, for they had enough of him. Unfortunately, his rule caused France to be in debt from warfare and construction, while his heirs would face revolution from the tax burden on the poor and abuse of power. However, France did rank the highest in art, literature, statesmanship, military, and strong colonies for resources/goods for trade.
