1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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