France Under Louis XIV Chapter 4 Section 2 Objectives: Understand how Henry IV rebuilt France after the wars of religion Explain how Louis XIV became an absolute monarch Describe how Versailles was a symbol of royal power

I. Henry IV Restores Order French Wars of Religion 1560’s – 1590’s Catholics v. Huguenots (French Protestants) France at this time is primarily Catholic Huguenots 7% of the Population (18 Million) 50% of the Nobility This was a Protestant threat to the crown St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre Catholic massacre of 3000 Huguenots Symbolized the complete breakdown of French Order This ignited the French Wars of Religion that last another 15 years

1589 Henry of Navarre takes the throne Takes the Name Henry IV To save face with the people Converts to Catholicism “Paris is worth a mass” 1598 Edict of Nantes Gives Huguenots religious freedoms Converting and issuing the Edict saved France and paved the way for the Monarchy

II. Louis XIII and Richelieu Henry IV is assassinated in 1610 His son Louis XIII takes over 9 years old Cardinal Richelieu becomes his Chief Minister Richelieu was the real ruler of France from 1624 until 1642 Focuses on destroying the Huguenots Reduces their independences Defeats the Huguenot armies

III. Louis XIV Takes the throne in 1643 The Estates General 4 years old Would rule for 72 years Longest ruling monarch in European History Cardinal Mazarin will serve as his Chief Minster until 1663 At age 23 takes complete control of the Government L'état, c'est moi I am the state Known as the Sun King The Light of his people He did not share his power with parliament The Estates General French Representative Assembly Not called once during Louis’ Reign

Strengthening the State The French Army Largest in Europe at 300,000 men Used to enforce laws at home and in colonies Jean Baptiste Colbert French Minster of Finance His policies helped make France the wealthiest State in Europe Versailles Palace outside of Paris King’s Home Center of Government Symbol of Louis’ Power and Wealth

III. Revocation of the Edict of Nantes Louis XIV was a Catholic King Revokes the Edict of Nantes Take Back 100,000 Huguenots flee France Major blow to the French economy