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Versailles
The palace of Versailles was first built in 1623. This will later be the palace that Louis XIV will keep his nobles and his lavish belongings. (picture of Hall of Mirrors) -
Birth of Louis
On Septemer 5, 1638 Louis XIV, son of Louis XII, was born -
Louis' Reign "Begins"
Louis XIV became king but he was too young to rule on his own, so Cardinal Mazarin ruled for him and was known as the true leader. He gave the reign of Louis XIV a bad start. Even though he ended the Thirty Years' War, he also taxed many, ruled by violent oppression, caused people to rebel, and strengthened central government. (Picture of young Louis XIV) -
Louis Becomes Powerful
Cardinal Mazarin died and Louis took control at the age of 22. He instantly went to work weakening power of the nobles and gave power to his intendants. He instantly became obsessed with brilliance and hired Jean Baptiste Colbert, a minister of finance who move towards mercantilism and self-sufficience by not letting any wealth leave the country. -
Attack on Spain
Louis XIV attacked the Spanish Netherlands and gained 12 towns. -
Another Attack
Louis XIV personally led an attack on Dutch Netherlands but they opened their dikes and flooded Louis' army out. -
Cancelation of Edicts
If Louis' gluttony and self obsession wasn't a big enough toll on the people, he decided to to cancel the Edict of Nantes. In response thousands of Huguenots fled to find religious freedom. -
Mary and William Join Forces
Oldest daughter of James II Mary and William of Orange decided to overthrow James II, as suggested by seven members of the Parliament. James fled and in rejoice of the bloodless victory the overthrow was called the Glorious Revolution. -
New hope
After this time no British monarch could rule without the consent of the Parliament and Parliament could not rule without the Monarch. -
Bill of Rights
William and Mary decided to make England a constitutional monarchy. This document said that a ruler could not do: 1) no suspending of Parliament's laws 2) no levying of taxes without a specific grant from Parliament 3) no interfering with freedom of speech in Parliament 4) no penalty for a citizen who petitions the king about grievances -
War of the Spanish Succession
German and Italian states joined together to defeat the union French and Spanish thrones. The war lasted 13 years until Treaty of Urect was signed, a treaty stating Louis' grandson was allowed to remain king of Spain if Spain and France were not united. -
Louis XIV's Death
Louis died in bed, realizing that war ruined France and regretting the suffering he brought to his people. Outside people rejoiced his death. He left France with extreme debt as a reminder of his reign and his abuse would be seen in his heirs and their rule would lead to the revolution.
