The Reign of Louis XIV, 1661–1715

The Reign of Louis XIV, 1661–1715

The Ascendancy and Early Reign of Louis XIV

  • Louis XIV acceded to the throne in 1643. He was only five years old, so his mother, Anne of Austria, ruled as regent.
  • Louis XIV came personally to the throne in 1661 following the death of his chief minister, Cardinal Mazarin.
  • He decided to rule without a chief minister, breaking from tradition. This choice highlighted Louis’ desire to exercise absolute monarchy.

The Sun King and Court Life at Versailles

  • Louis XIV established the Palace of Versailles as his main residence and the centre of government. This allowed him to keep a close eye on the aristocracy.
  • ‘The Sun King’ became a nickname for Louis XIV due to his performance as Apollo in a court ballet. He saw himself as a divine monarch.
  • The palace endorsed cultural and scientific advancements, hosting famous personalities like the playwright Molière and the scientist Cassini.

Religious Policy

  • Louis XIV rescinded the Edict of Nantes in 1685, which had granted rights to Protestants within the Catholic nation.
  • The issuance of the Edict of Fontainebleau led to the persecution of Huguenots, which caused many to flee the country.
  • These actions demonstrated Louis’ commitment to unified Catholic rule, or ‘One King, One Law, One Faith’.

Military Expansion and Warfare

  • Louis XIV undertook many military campaigns to expand France’s territorial holdings. His aggressive foreign policy came to characterise his reign.
  • The Dutch War (1672–78) and the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–14) were two significant conflicts.
  • The Treaty of Utrecht concluded the War of the Spanish Succession. It marked a decline in Louis XIV’s ambitions due to European opposition.

Economic and Administrative Policies

  • Louis XIV implemented controversial economic policies under the guidance of his finance minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert.
  • Colbert’s Mercantilistic policies aimed to turn France into a trade powerhouse. The policies had successes but also serious drawbacks.
  • The King strengthened the power of ‘intendants’ in charge of administering France’s provinces, reinforcing his central authority.

The Legacy of Louis XIV

  • Louis XIV’s reign fundamentally shaped France’s position in Europe, elevating it to a dominant power.
  • His absolutist rule set an example for other European monarchs and has been the subject of debate among historians.
  • Louis XIV left France in debt due to his costly wars and lavish lifestyle, contributing to the conditions leading to the French Revolution.