1. Age of Absolutism: King Louis XIV Objective: The students will be able to explain the theory and implications of absolutist rule in France under King Louis XIV.

2. “L’etat, c’est moi (I am the state)” –Louis XIV

3. THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE THE FRENCH MODEL  Effective centralization of authority into hands of monarch  Louis XIV as embodiment of absolutist rule  Absolutism had limitations & power-sharing  But foundations laid by rulers before him

4. THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE 17 TH CENTURY FRANCE  Pinnacle of power, wealth, prestige  Overseas exploration & expansion  Cultural & intellectual leader

5. THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE 17 TH CENTURY FRANCE  Forms of authority  Estates General  Parlements  towns & cities  regional “customs”  Monarchy Estates General

6. THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE BUILDING ABSOLUTSIM  Louis XIII (r. 1610-1643) and Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642)  reduced power of nobility  restricted local authorities Louis XIII Cardinal Richelieu  created intendants

7. THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE BUILDING ABSOLUTISM  Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715) and Cardinal Mazarin (1602- 1661)  The Fronde (1648)  Louis takes reigns of power, 1661 Young Louis XIV Cardinal Mazarin

8. Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683) Served as controller of finances from 1662- 1683. Supported mercantilist policies. Built roads and canals. Credited for many of Louis’ economic successes and failures.

9. THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE RULE OF LOUIS XIV  Solidified absolutism  National army

10. THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE RULE OF LOUIS XIV  Solidified absolutism  National army  New center of govt: Versailles  Elaborate court ritual Versailles

11. THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE RULE OF LOUIS XIV  Solidified absolutism  Promoted own image: Sun King Louis the Great God’s representative on earth

12. THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE RULE OF LOUIS XIV  Centralization of govt.  built up royal administration  decreased other sources of authority  expanded intendant system

13. THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE RULE OF LOUIS XIV  Religious unification  “One king, one law, one faith”  Revoked Edict of Nantes, 1685

14. THE RISE OF ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE LIMITS OF ABSOLUTISM  Dependant on many advisors & bureaucrats  Compromised with vested interests  Many old privileges & customs continued to exist