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Born
Louis XIV was born September 5th, 1638 -
Given Rule
Louis was only 4 years old when he was given the crown when his dad, Louis XIII, died. -
Civil War
Anne and Mazarin introduced policies that further consolidated the monarchy’s power, citizens showed discontent. Started a civil war, known as Fronde, and forced the royal family to flee. -
Calming Down
Mazarin was able to surpress the revolt and created a treaty with Spain, making France a Leading European power by decade's end. -
Married
22-year-old Louis married his first cousin, Marie-Thérèse (1638-1683) and had 6 children. Only one made it to adulthood, Louis (1661-1711) -
Mazarin's Death
Mazarin died and Louis claimed to the court that he would rule without a chief minister. He viewed himself as the direct representative of God. -
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War of Devolition
First in a series of wars that characterized his aggressive approach to foreign policy. -
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Franco-Dutch War
France retreated after the War of Devolution and upsetted the English. This outcome led to the Franco-Dutch war which let them gain territory in Flanders. -
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Death and Marriage
Queen Marie-Thérèse died in 1663. In 1664 Louis XIV married Marquise de Maintenon privately. -
Death
King Louis XIV died of gangrene just 4 days before his 77th birthday. Louis XV, grandson of Louis XIV, succeeded him at the age of 5.