1. Absolute Monarchs of France How was the French Monarchy weakened by Louis XIV?

2. After the death of his father, Henry IV, Louis XIII became king Louis XIII, a Bourbon, was a weak king So Louis appoints a Catholic Cardinal to help him rule Richelieu would have more power than the king Richelieu’s goal is to strengthen the Bourbon family’s monarchy & expand France’s Empire Richelieu will side with German Protestant Princes against the powerful Hapsburg Family in 30 Years War When Louis XIII dies, his son Louis XIV became King Louis XIV was a strong ruler and benefited from the way Richelieu strengthened the monarchy France & German Princes win 30 Years War, France gains new territory from defeated Hapsburgs

3. The Sun King’s Disastrous Wars Louis XIV was also known as the “Sun King” Louis XIV builds France’s wealth through the fur trade Louis XIV will try to expand France’s territory Louis ties to invade the Netherlands He is stopped by England’s King William of Orange France & Spain try to unite thrones, King of Spain dies with no heir Louis tries to install his grandson as King of Spain Six countries unite to fight France in the War of Spanish Succession England was the big winner gaining the territory of Gibraltar & control of Spain’s slave trade Overall, Louis XIV would leave France in debt and with less power After his death, his son Louis XV will lose France’s Canadian territory to England in the Seven Years War

4. France’s Debt under Louis XIV Add these questions to the reading guide worksheet 3. What year did France have the lowest debt? 4. How much debt would France owe in US Dollars (1715)?