1. Response to Crisis: Absolutism
Section 14.3

2. France Under Louis XIV Cardinal Richelieu: Louis XIII’s chief minister
Strengthened the power of the monarch by:
taking away political and military rights of the Huguenots
Preserved their RELIGIOUS rights
Set up a network of spies to uncover plots by nobles
Cardinal Manzarin: Louis XIV’s chief minister
Took control of the government when Louis XIV was 4 (1643)
Crushed noble-led revolt

3. Louis Comes to Power Louis came to power in 1661
Named himself “The Sun King”
As the king, he was the source of light for all his people.

4. Government and Religion
Louis’s power rested in control of the central policy-making machine of the government – THE ROYAL COURT
Louis XIV establishes the royal court (Versailles) for 3 reasons:
Personal household of the king
Chief offices of the state were located there
Versailles became the place were powerful subjects came to find favors and offices for themselves.
Why invite them to the royal courts?
Ability for Louis to keep a close eye on what they were doing.
Easier to influence the power of the nobles (had more policy making power at the local level) if they are close to him.
How did Louis XIV maintain absolute power?
Bribes
Pursued anti-Protestant policies
Developed an army
Waged war – gain territory

5. Versailles

6. Economy and War/Legacy of Louis XIV
Colbert’s plan to help strengthen France’s economy
Follow mercantilism
Improve transportation
Raise tariffs on foreign goods
Louis XIV’s Legacy
Despite being very powerful, Louis XIV died feeling remorseful about his reign
Confided in his successor that he loved war too much, and should have remained at peace with his neighbors
Louis died at left his kingdom with many enemies and massive debt

7. Absolutism in Central and Eastern Europe
Cause
Effect
Built a large and efficient standing army
Maintained a force of 40,000 men
Set up the General War Commissariat
Could levy taxes