“Terrifying Majesty”: The French Absolutist State
Foundations of European Absolutism
Absolutism Monopolize Goal? Methods of Foreshadows 20th C
Henry IV (r. 1589-1610) — Duke of Sully Edict of Nantes (1598) Paulette
“Reasons of State”
Foundations of French Absolutism
Louis XIV, throne at 5 yrs. old (1648-53) Results?
Foundations of French Absolutism
The “Sun King” RisesLouis XIV (r. 1643-1715) Background
“Age of Louis XIV” — Divine Right of
Kings Effects of the Fronde “I shall see”
“Terrifying Majesty” “every moment and every inch a king”
never called Secret police, informers, opening
letters
Contemporary Thoughts on Louis XIV’s Absolutism
One of Louis XIV’s biggest critics, Saint-Simone, wrote, “[louis XIV] reduced everyone to subjugation, and brought to his court those very persons he cared least about. Whoever was old enough to serve did not dare demur. It was still another device to ruin the nobles by accustoming them to equality and forcing them to mingle with everyone indiscriminately… Louis XIV took great pains to inform himself on what was happening everywhere, in public places, private homes, and even on the international scene… Spies and informers of all kinds were numberless… But the King’s most vicious method of securing information was opening letters.”
Economic & Domestic PolicyTax System
Required Cath. baptism, closure of
churches/schools 800,000+ Huguenots emigrate —Economy?
Louis XIV’s Wars33 of 54 years at war
Expansion of military, increase in costs Professional army = soldiers employed/directed by the state (Louvois) Recruitment:
Louis XIV’s Wars
Netherlands (1667-78): Mercantilism
Louis XIV’s Wars
Problems: Financially exhausting
Sale of offices, titles Nation’s silver Taxation of Peasants = REVOLT!
Bad harvests 1688 & 1694 1/10 pop dies
Louis XIV’s Wars
Issue: Charles II will -- (Louis’ grandson) Balance of Power: “What rapture, the Pyrannees no longer exist!” Grand Alliance
Eugene (Prince of Savoy) & Duke of Marlborough
Phil = King... BUT no French-Spanish union Spanish Empire declines British Empire vastly expanded French aggressive foreign policy ends
Court Society/Culture = model for most of Europe
largest building in Europe Louis = rock star for 50 years
Domestication of the Nobles L’etat c’est moi
Apres moi, le deluge
Question to Ask: How does the King want to be represented?