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Discover the era of absolutism in France (1589-1715) under Henry IV, Louis XIII, and Louis XIV. From ending religious warfare to centralizing government authority, delve into the royal monopolies, infrastructure projects, and significant personalities such as Cardinal Richelieu. Learn about Louis XIV's reign, Versailles, influential ministers, power consolidation, wars, and their repercussions on French society and finances.
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Absolutism in France 1589-1715
Henry IV (1589-1610) • France weary from years of religious warfare • Able to expand gov’t authority • Established royal monopolies (gunpowder, salt, mines) • Began construction of a canal system that would link France internally • Corvée labor tax drafted workers to build infrastructure • Issued Edict of Nantes • Assassinated in 1610
Louis XIII 1610-1643 • Rule began w/regency His mother.. -signed a peace treaty w/Spain -appointed Richelieu chief advisor • Richelieu -contained Hapsburg Spain -centralized French gov’t (intendents) -campaigned against Huguenots
Louis XIV (1643-1715) • Rule began w/regency His mother.. -appointed Mazarin, Richelieu’s protégé • Mazarin -immediately confronted by Fronde -fled France -returned w/Louis in 1653 to restore order • Louis’ personal rule began in 1661 after Mazarin’s death
Louis XIV and Versailles • Moved court to Versailles in response to the Fronde • Served as an instrument of royal propaganda • Important nobles, royal officials in permanent residence • Consumed 1/2 of royal income • Court life was organized around his personal routine
Louis’ Ministers • Marquis de Louvois -Minister of war -Creator of modern army • Jean Baptiste Colbert -Minister of finance -Promoter of mercantilism Jean Baptiste Colbert
Louis’ Power Increases • Censored publishers • Revoked Edict of Nantes exodus/conversion of Huguenots • Increased the power of intendants • Achieved “absolute” power
Louis’ Wars • 18 years of war in Louis’ last 27 proved costly, draining French resources • Aims: • defensible national boundaries • capture Spanish Netherlands • defeat Dutch Republic and ruin its trade • weaken Habsburg Spain and HRE
Results of Louis’ Wars • France bankrupted • Little territory gained • Starving peasants • Social unrest