Prompt 2003- Louis XIV declared his goal was “one king, one law, one faith.” Analyze the methods the king used to achieve this objective and discuss the extent to which he was successful.

Absolutism (A) What is Absolutism? Absolutism is a form of rule in which the ruler has control over all things, and is not bound by his own laws that he has created. In other words, he has absolute power. (A)

Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715) “Sun King”(cont.) (B) Early Life: Born in 1638 and started his rule when he was 4 years old. Louis XIV’s absolute rule: Louis XIV took absolutism to its apex of development during his rule. The half century that Louis XIV ruled is now known as the “Grand Century,” “Age of Magnificence,” and the “Age of Louis XIV.” During his absolute rule, Louis XIV: Gained cooperation with the powerful social class that had opposed the French monarchy in their centralizing goals.

Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715) “Sun King”(cont.) (B) Erected the Canal des Deux Mers with the cooperation of French nobles. This canal connected the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

One King, One Law, One Faith (C) One King, One Law, One Faith What did this mean? Simply put, Louis XIV would be the absolute ruler of France, make the laws, and establish the faith that everyone would follow, and if anybody failed to follow the law or correct faith, there would be repercussions. What methods did Louis XIV use to achieve this goal? Annulled the Edict of Nantes, declaring Catholicism the only acceptable religion to practice in France. Edict of Nantes (1598), published by Louis XIV’s grandfather, Henry IV, which decreed the Huguenots, French Calvinists, the right to practice Calvinism in 150 towns of France. Created a unified religion, but at a cost...

One King, One Law, One Faith (cont.) This choice caused a major complication for France The annulment of the Edict of Nantes caused tumult in the Huguenot society. Those who did not convert were slaughtered, to prove a point. That point was that the absolute ruler was not a force to be trifled with. This caused a mass emigration of Huguenots, which was not a good sign for the French economy. Many of the Huguenots played a key role in French economy. For example, many Huguenots were craftsmen, soldiers, and business people. These people then moved out of the country, either fearing for their lives, or displeased with the lack of freedom of religion, or in most cases both. With their French money in hand and their working skills along with it, they left France without skilled people or money.

One King, One Law, One Faith (cont.) Louis XIV’s Wars Louis XIV waged many wars across Europe, not for conquest or religious purposes, but instead for glory and reputation. They didn’t provide any real benefits to the his country, but instead contributed to the bad economy in France. Starting wars required money. After Louis depleted his funds, he raised taxes, sold offices and nobility titles, and declared that all the nation’s silverware be given to the mint for more money. These attempts at raising war funds did not do very much good. The peasants who had to pay the raised taxes, and send their silverware were infuriated at Louis and started revolts in all parts of France in the 1690’s.

One King, One Law, One Faith (cont.) To what extent was Louis XIV successful in his goal “One king, one law, one faith”? “One King” Louis XIV was the king of France from the time he was 4 to age 72 (1643-1715) and established his sovereignty well. “One Law” As the absolute ruler of France, his law was final. His revocation of the Edict of Nantes or raising taxes are prime examples of Louis XIV’s law. “One Faith” Louis made Catholicism the religion of France because he hated division in his nation and considered religious unity as a necessity of achieving his goal of “One king, one law, one faith”.