The palace of Versailles, known for its splendid architecture and grand gardens, was not always just a pretty face. It housed a ruler that was ready to take over all of Europe, and the palace was his way do it. There is no question that Louis XIV of France achieved his goal of absolutistic rule. However, how did his residence play a role in creating this government for his nation? The architecture and centralized government, the Edict of Fontainebleau and the other decisions made within the palace all contributed to its influence on the French government. The Palace of Versailles was a symbol for absolutism and increased the French people 's discontent with the monarchy through the grandeur that was the outside appearance and the events that
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This was done by making Versailles into an inspiration for not only French people but also for English nobility. The renovations of Versailles went on from 1664 until 1710 and made Versailles into, as Dora Wiebenson stated, “a huge manifestation of authority and centralized power.” Power flowed outward from the king by having the palace constructed with the King’s bed in the center, and everything else built symmetrically around it. Louis XIV liked to think of himself as being the central source of light and sustainability for all of his citizens, and in doing so, was known as the Sun King. This image of the sun can be seen in many spots in the castle, including the adornments on the golden gates leading inside. The Palace of Versailles was centered inside a massive garden, which showed the extent to which Louis thought he was the sun, as the gardens were the only lush greenery in the barren surrounding …show more content…
The Edict of Nantes was issued before the time of Louis XIV in 1598, and gave Huguenots the freedom to practice their religion without the fear of persecution. France was made up largely of Catholics, and the aim of this edict was to convert Huguenot Protestants to Catholicism. The policy started out by offering rewards to families who converted, but by 1681, it turned into state forced conversions. By enforcing the Edict of Fontainebleau, Louis XIV was making it known that he was the ultimate ruler. Without the Palace of Versailles, the King would not appear to have as much authority, as the Palace is where all laws and Edicts were created and signed. However, while ensuring that he was the undisputed ruler of France, Louis was creating a strong discontent for the monarchy within his people. They wanted the freedom that they had been granted by Louis’s predecessor, and would not be happy with it being taken away. By issuing the edict of Fontainebleau, Louis XIV increased his power and the French people’s discontent with the
This was done by making Versailles into an inspiration for not only French people but also for English nobility. The renovations of Versailles went on from 1664 until 1710 and made Versailles into, as Dora Wiebenson stated, “a huge manifestation of authority and centralized power.” Power flowed outward from the king by having the palace constructed with the King’s bed in the center, and everything else built symmetrically around it. Louis XIV liked to think of himself as being the central source of light and sustainability for all of his citizens, and in doing so, was known as the Sun King. This image of the sun can be seen in many spots in the castle, including the adornments on the golden gates leading inside. The Palace of Versailles was centered inside a massive garden, which showed the extent to which Louis thought he was the sun, as the gardens were the only lush greenery in the barren surrounding …show more content…
The Edict of Nantes was issued before the time of Louis XIV in 1598, and gave Huguenots the freedom to practice their religion without the fear of persecution. France was made up largely of Catholics, and the aim of this edict was to convert Huguenot Protestants to Catholicism. The policy started out by offering rewards to families who converted, but by 1681, it turned into state forced conversions. By enforcing the Edict of Fontainebleau, Louis XIV was making it known that he was the ultimate ruler. Without the Palace of Versailles, the King would not appear to have as much authority, as the Palace is where all laws and Edicts were created and signed. However, while ensuring that he was the undisputed ruler of France, Louis was creating a strong discontent for the monarchy within his people. They wanted the freedom that they had been granted by Louis’s predecessor, and would not be happy with it being taken away. By issuing the edict of Fontainebleau, Louis XIV increased his power and the French people’s discontent with the