Alex Day
Mr. Haller
Global 10
January 5, 2016
I am the State Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, is one of the most famous French kings because of the long lasting effects of his policies. Born on September 5, 1638, he reigned for 72 years and achieved his goal of creating an absolute monarchy. In order to do so, Louis reorganized France’s political system, enforced the worship of one religion, and created a central seat for power, which became Versailles. He was known as the “Sun King” because of the splendor of his court at Versailles. Today, he is most remembered for Versailles (which is visited by millions of tourists every year). Louis XIV identified himself directly with the governing of the nation. One of his most famous statements …show more content…
His chief advisor was Cardinal Mazarin, a very well educated Italian who had been sent to the French court by the Pope to watch over the monarchy and ensure its allegiance. Once Louis was crowned in 1654, Mazarin began to involve him in affairs of state and to grow his power by standing firm against the Parliament. Mazarin reestablished the role of “intendants”, individuals who were not necessarily of noble birth and who became commissaries of the king. They administered the provinces and gradually took over power from the provincial governors, who had been unreliable during rebellions. Mazarin taught Louis not to trust the nobility because they had tried to seize power when Louis was a child in an uprising called the “Fronde.” Through Mazarin’s instruction, Louis succeeded in unifying order through a policy of moderation. He established a large army that wore …show more content…
Louis’s overriding passion was the pursuit of glory. He once said: "The love of glory goes beyond all others in my soul.” He saw himself as Augustus, Constantine, and Justinian, all at the same time. (Schlager and Lauer) He fought four wars, all motivated primarily by personal and dynastic considerations. He thought of himself as the leader of Christendom, the true successor of Charlemagne. During his reign, France attempted to obtain control over what is today Belgium and the Dutch Republic. Unfortunately, many of the wars were unsuccessful. They were very costly and a great burden to the French people. Louis’s longest war was the Spanish Succession which lasted from 1701 to 1714. It almost caused France to become bankrupt. Louis was forced to negotiate a compromise treaty whereby his grandson would become king of Spain but he had to agree that he and his heirs would never combine the Spanish crown with that of
Mr. Haller
Global 10
January 5, 2016
I am the State Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, is one of the most famous French kings because of the long lasting effects of his policies. Born on September 5, 1638, he reigned for 72 years and achieved his goal of creating an absolute monarchy. In order to do so, Louis reorganized France’s political system, enforced the worship of one religion, and created a central seat for power, which became Versailles. He was known as the “Sun King” because of the splendor of his court at Versailles. Today, he is most remembered for Versailles (which is visited by millions of tourists every year). Louis XIV identified himself directly with the governing of the nation. One of his most famous statements …show more content…
His chief advisor was Cardinal Mazarin, a very well educated Italian who had been sent to the French court by the Pope to watch over the monarchy and ensure its allegiance. Once Louis was crowned in 1654, Mazarin began to involve him in affairs of state and to grow his power by standing firm against the Parliament. Mazarin reestablished the role of “intendants”, individuals who were not necessarily of noble birth and who became commissaries of the king. They administered the provinces and gradually took over power from the provincial governors, who had been unreliable during rebellions. Mazarin taught Louis not to trust the nobility because they had tried to seize power when Louis was a child in an uprising called the “Fronde.” Through Mazarin’s instruction, Louis succeeded in unifying order through a policy of moderation. He established a large army that wore …show more content…
Louis’s overriding passion was the pursuit of glory. He once said: "The love of glory goes beyond all others in my soul.” He saw himself as Augustus, Constantine, and Justinian, all at the same time. (Schlager and Lauer) He fought four wars, all motivated primarily by personal and dynastic considerations. He thought of himself as the leader of Christendom, the true successor of Charlemagne. During his reign, France attempted to obtain control over what is today Belgium and the Dutch Republic. Unfortunately, many of the wars were unsuccessful. They were very costly and a great burden to the French people. Louis’s longest war was the Spanish Succession which lasted from 1701 to 1714. It almost caused France to become bankrupt. Louis was forced to negotiate a compromise treaty whereby his grandson would become king of Spain but he had to agree that he and his heirs would never combine the Spanish crown with that of