Absolutism Sovereignty resides with a king, who considered himself to be responsible to God alone To achieve absolutism, most kings need: –Large standing army –Control over institutions –Cooperation/Control of nobility Foreshadowed totalitarian governments

Pre – Louis XIV Henry IV to Louis XIII Cardinal Richelieu –Destroy power of nobility – HOW? –Destroy influence of Huguenot – HOW? –Make France supreme power in Europe – HOW? –Make the king supreme – HOW?

Louis XIV The Sun King

Goals of Louis XIV Destroy the power of the nobility Weaken the power of the Huguenot Make France the supreme power in Europe Make the king the supreme power in France

Goal #1 Move the nobility to the Palace of Versailles –Could now keep the nobility under his thumb –Nobility needed favors to advance in life –Court life at the Palace of Versailles becomes legendary

Goal #2 Revoke the Edict of Nantes –“One King, One Country, One God” –200,000 Huguenot flee the country, which ultimately weakens France

Goal #3 Revise the financial system –Use Colbert as smart finance minister –Eliminate corruption in taxing system –Use subsidies and tariffs to bolster economy

Goal #3 con’t Engage in Wars –Acquire new land and protection for France –Use military leaders like Louvois –Frequent wars ultimately hurt the French economy

Goal #3 con’t Make French culture popular in Europe –Other rulers will adopt style of Louis XIV –French language, dress, culture will spread throughout Europe

Goal #4 “I am the state” –Justifies rule by claiming the divine right of kings

Legacy of Louis XIV France becomes strongest nation in Europe Frequent wars, however, will weaken the French people and government Absolutism spreads throughout Europe After Louis XIV, the monarchy will begin to gradually lose power back to the nobles