1. Section 2: France under Louis XIV
The Age of Absolutism
Section 2: France under Louis XIV
Witness History Audio: Life at Versailles
Henry IV Restores Order
France was torn apart by religious wars between Catholics and Protestants until Henry IV took the throne and issued the Edict of Nantes, which allowed Protestants to practice their religion freely. He also helped to reduce the power of the nobles and strengthen the monarchy. After his death, Cardinal Richelieu served as chief minister to Louis XIII. Richelieu held great influence and orchestrated the further diminishment of the powers of nobles and Protestants.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Why did Louis XIV structure life at Versailles around rituals and extravagant events?” (Doing so allowed him to keep the nobles under his control at court and dependent on him.)
When showing Color Transparency 95, ask, “What sort of place is shown?” (royal castles, rich homes) “What kinds of people are involved?” (wealthy nobles) “Why is it in the center of the scene?” (as the center of Catholic faith)
When showing Color Transparency 96, discuss whether the costs of Louis’s reign outweighed his achievements.
Color Transparency 95: St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre
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2. Section 2: France under Louis XIV
The Age of Absolutism
Section 2: France under Louis XIV
An Absolute Monarch Arises
Louis XIV ruled with absolute power and took the sun as a symbol of it. An army of 300,000 soldiers stood ready to enforce his will. His finance minister, Jean Baptiste Colbert, instituted mercantilist policies, which helped France to become the richest European state.
Note Taking Transparency 116
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Why did Louis XIV structure life at Versailles around rituals and extravagant events?” (Doing so allowed him to keep the nobles under his control at court and dependent on him.)
When showing Color Transparency 95, ask, “What sort of place is shown?” (royal castles, rich homes) “What kinds of people are involved?” (wealthy nobles) “Why is it in the center of the scene?” (as the center of Catholic faith)
When showing Color Transparency 96, discuss whether the costs of Louis’s reign outweighed his achievements.
Versailles: Symbol of Royal Power
Louis XIV lived a lavish lifestyle at the palace of Versailles, which was a symbol of France’s wealth. There, nobles became courtiers who posed no threat to the monarchy. The arts flourished with the support of Louis XIV.
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3. Section 2: France under Louis XIV
The Age of Absolutism
Section 2: France under Louis XIV
A Strong State Declines
European alliances were formed to keep French expansion in check. The War of the Spanish Succession ended with France agreeing not to unite with Spain. The flight of the Huguenots from France when the Edict of Nantes was revoked left the state without many of its best and brightest.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Why did Louis XIV structure life at Versailles around rituals and extravagant events?” (Doing so allowed him to keep the nobles under his control at court and dependent on him.)
When showing Color Transparency 95, ask, “What sort of place is shown?” (royal castles, rich homes) “What kinds of people are involved?” (wealthy nobles) “Why is it in the center of the scene?” (as the center of Catholic faith)
When showing Color Transparency 96, discuss whether the costs of Louis’s reign outweighed his achievements.
Color Transparency 96: Reign of Louis XIV
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
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4. The Age of Absolutism: Section 2
Color Transparency 95: St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre
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5. The Age of Absolutism: Section 2
Note Taking Transparency 116
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6. The Age of Absolutism: Section 2
Color Transparency 96: Reign of Louis XIV
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7. The Age of Absolutism: Section 2
Progress Monitoring Transparency (1 of 2)
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8. The Age of Absolutism: Section 2
Progress Monitoring Transparency (2 of 2)
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