The 1600 's were a powerful and influential time for French history, with the uprising of the French Revolution, the divine-right of kings, and the utter lavishness of the Palace Versailles. There was extreme political tension between Louis XIV and the people, which caused caused great social turmoil. Louis XIV, also known as the "Sun King", was both a successful ruler, while simultaneously a rather arrogant one. While the French Revolution was taking place, Louis XIV was targeted amongst the French people due to his obvious disrespect for the people as he made his palace more and more extravagant. The palace at Versailles stands as a historical and artistic monument that represents the absolute monarchy under which France was ruled by Louis
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Placing leaders as a God-given King makes it unfavorable that people question his actions since it could easily be viewed as “God’s will”. Louis’ belief that he deserves such a lavish life is reflected in his palace at Versailles, “Glass chandeliers hang from it’s arched, ornately painted ceiling, and gilded states and reliefs border its walls.” (The Editors of Encyclopedia Brittanica). The palace was extremely glorious and the castle itself boasted how Louis viewed himself as well as how he was actually viewed. Much of the government’s money was spent to reinforce this idea of the ‘Sun King’. The sun is the center of solar system and all the planets orbit around it. Louis viewed himself as a supreme leader and felt that the world needed to revolve around him. Many of the royal funds were spent to repair or add on to the palace when they simply did not have the money to do it. (Historylines Versailles). Once again Louis disrespect for his people and desire only of his wants and his reputation is demonstrated through his actions. Louis as a person was not necessarily the greatest man but as a rule he did have good dreams and aspirations for …show more content…
Louis wanted a lot for France, “His first goal as an absolute monarch was to centralize and reign in control of France.” (Louis XIV Biography). An absolute monarchy is when a certain ruler has complete power and control over his or her own country. There is a fine line between an absolute monarch becoming a tyrant and part of that is consideration for his country. King Louis wanted his entire country to become more unified and central as whole. This is a positive idea for France and although he was not entirely successful, his effort was valiant. Louis also wanted to reign in control of France which was hard with the French Revolution under foot. Louis also, “led an absolute monarchy during France’s classical age. He revoked the Edict of Nantes and is known for his aggressive foreign policy.” (Louis XIV Biography). Having an aggressive foreign policy proved to be successful and necessary as many countries did not and it was to their downfall. France subsequently became modernized under his rule and he also increased the military power which France held. While at times his ruling style could come off as ineffective or through the palace it seems as thought he care only of himself, he was in fact rather
Placing leaders as a God-given King makes it unfavorable that people question his actions since it could easily be viewed as “God’s will”. Louis’ belief that he deserves such a lavish life is reflected in his palace at Versailles, “Glass chandeliers hang from it’s arched, ornately painted ceiling, and gilded states and reliefs border its walls.” (The Editors of Encyclopedia Brittanica). The palace was extremely glorious and the castle itself boasted how Louis viewed himself as well as how he was actually viewed. Much of the government’s money was spent to reinforce this idea of the ‘Sun King’. The sun is the center of solar system and all the planets orbit around it. Louis viewed himself as a supreme leader and felt that the world needed to revolve around him. Many of the royal funds were spent to repair or add on to the palace when they simply did not have the money to do it. (Historylines Versailles). Once again Louis disrespect for his people and desire only of his wants and his reputation is demonstrated through his actions. Louis as a person was not necessarily the greatest man but as a rule he did have good dreams and aspirations for …show more content…
Louis wanted a lot for France, “His first goal as an absolute monarch was to centralize and reign in control of France.” (Louis XIV Biography). An absolute monarchy is when a certain ruler has complete power and control over his or her own country. There is a fine line between an absolute monarch becoming a tyrant and part of that is consideration for his country. King Louis wanted his entire country to become more unified and central as whole. This is a positive idea for France and although he was not entirely successful, his effort was valiant. Louis also wanted to reign in control of France which was hard with the French Revolution under foot. Louis also, “led an absolute monarchy during France’s classical age. He revoked the Edict of Nantes and is known for his aggressive foreign policy.” (Louis XIV Biography). Having an aggressive foreign policy proved to be successful and necessary as many countries did not and it was to their downfall. France subsequently became modernized under his rule and he also increased the military power which France held. While at times his ruling style could come off as ineffective or through the palace it seems as thought he care only of himself, he was in fact rather