The Age of Absolutism is one of the most well known periods in Europe’s history. One of the most interesting, and well known examples of an absolutist ruler is France’s King Louis XIV. He is still known as the longest reigning monarch in Europe’s history and helped lead France through an age of prosperity and growth.
In order to gain complete control over France and its government King Louis XIV destroyed almost all of the remaining traces of feudalism in France. He constructed a huge Palace at Versailles and invited powerful nobles from all over France to come and live at the palace. Once there the King would give them majestic titles but almost no real power. This ensured that the nobles have power over the peasants in their lands and Louis XIV could easily control the land that the nobles had once ruled in. With the nobles gone Louis XIV had complete control of the French government. ( Beers, Esler , and Ellis) With this power he invested huge amounts of money into the French economy and arts.
During his rule King Louis XIV took many steps to improve French art and economy. He was lover of the arts generously financed many projects in the visual arts. He also aided France’s top writers, allowing French literature to grow. ( Louis XIV , Encyclopædia Britannica) In order to stimulate the economy Louis XIV developed new industries in France and encouraged foreign craftsmen to work in France in order to decrease the trade deficit. In addition to this he created a new, well-organized method of taxation. ( History of France, The Economy ) With this improved economy Louis XIV was able to fund his many wars.
King Louis XIV used his power to fight several wars against countries such as Spain, England, and Sweden. Although these wars depleted France’s coffers, it expanded France and provided a more easily defendable front. ( Sommerville ) They also helped France rise as one of the most powerful nations in Europe. Another positive outcome from the wars was that it caused King Louis XIV to modernize France’s army, creating a much more powerful and professional military force.
The rule of King Louis XIV had a tremendous effect on France. His policies left France’s treasury almost empty. However he set up an absolute monarchy in France, stimulated France’s art and economy, and led many wars to expand French borders. In conclusion, ” Louis inherited a kingdom that was internally divided, militarily exhausted, and nearly bankrupt. He left to his heirs the greatest power in the Western world.” ( Louis XIV MSN )
Bibliography
“Louis XIV.” MSN Encarta. MSN, Nov.-Dec. 2009. Web. 07 Oct. 2010. .
Ellis, Elisabeth Gaynor., Anthony Esler, and Burton F. Beers. Prentice Hall World History: Connections to Today. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001. Print.
“Louis XIV.” Encyclopædia Britannica. 2010. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 08 Oct. 2010 < …………… http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/348968/Louis-XIV >.
“WHKMLA : History of France, The Economy 1661-1715.” Zum. Web. 08 Oct. 2010. .
Sommerville, J. P. “The Wars of Louis XIV.” History Department, University of Wisconsin. Web. 08 Oct. 2010.
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