1. France’s Absolute Monarchy CH 16 section 2

2. Religious Wars in France In the early 1500’s French Kings were Roman Catholic (supported by absolutists) In the 1530’s many nobles turned to Protestantism to weaken the monarchy and agitate for a representative, decentralized government (Huguenots) –persecution begins around the 1530’s (inquisition around 1540) –France becomes a battlefield Bourbon (Pr.) v. The Guise (RC)

3. Henry II Cath. De Medici Margarite Charles IX 1560-1574 Henry III 1574-1589 Francis II 1558-1560 Henry(IV) of Navarre 1589-1610 First Bourbon Monarch of France Last Valois Monarch of France

4. Henry of Navarre (Henry IV) Henry was a leading Protestant in France had married into the Roman Catholic Royal family The King’s mother (Catherine de Medicis) orders the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre August 24 th 1572 –3,000 Killed in one day another 20,000 over next 3 –Protestants Nobles had come to represent a threat to power of the monarchy (limited monarchy-local power)

5. Henry IV (r. 1589-1610) King Henry III was assassinated in 1589 after he allied with Henry of Navarre –Henry becomes King and is facing invasion by Spain and converts to RC. “Paris is well worth a mass” (pragmatic) Edict of Nantes (April 13,1598) –Calvinists granted freedom of worship –Henry is assassinated by a catholic fanatic in 1610 –Royal officials replace Nobles and cut into their power by making life better for all in France

6. Louis XIII (1610-1643) Became King at the age of 9 when his father Henry IV was assassinated –His mother ruled as regent for him and in 1624 Cardinal Richelieu became his chief advisor

7. Richelieu’s goals for France Desired to make France the leading power in Europe (Anti Spain and Hapsburg) All power to the King Stop the threat of the Huguenots (truncated the Edict of Nantes) –However sided with the Protestants in the 30 years war Maintain a balance of power in Europe by limiting Hapsburg power

8. Richelieu

9. Louis XIV (1643-1715) Louis XIV was only 5 years old when his father died in 1643 –Cardinal Mazarin replaces Cardinal Richelieu –A Rebellion of the Nobles(The Fronde) was a failure (Louis forced into Exile) –He is convinced France needs a strong King and begins to seek absolute power –When Mazarin dies in 1661 he assumes complete control “L’etat C’est Moi”

10. Absolutism Crises of 16 th Century led to a desire for stability/ safety  Absolutism. –Ruler has total power, divine right usually, all decisions rested with them. –Louis XIV led the charge. “I order you not to sign anything, not even a passport without my command; to render account to me personally each day and to favor no one.”

11. Louis Path to absolutism Intendants: used to collect taxes, recruit soldiers and carry out Royal policy Revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685 The “Estates General” of France will not meet from 1614-1689 Made the French Army into the strongest in Europe (300,000) –Helped enforce his policies

12. The Sun King His control of nobility was complete Arts/entertainment Court lifestyle “I am the state”

13. Versailles 700 Rooms Over 500 yards long Over $2.5 billion to build, 36,000 laborers Showed absolute power –Nobles moved there –Silenced nobility and took control of policy, taxes, and Church. –“Every time I appoint someone to a vacant position, I make a hundred unhappy and one ungrateful.” -Louis

21. Legacy of Louis Expanded French borders by war. –Voltaire on Louis XIV [It is certain that he passionately wanted glory, rather than the conquests themselves. In the acquisition of Alsace and half of Flanders, and of all of Franche-Comté, what he really liked was the name he made for himself]. Died with France in major debt Question: What are the benefits and problems associated with absolute rulers?