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This letter supports the construction of a memorial at the Louvre art museum in honor of Louis XIV, the Sun King. It discusses the importance of commemorating his reign and the impact he had on France and Europe during the period of Crisis and Absolutism. The letter highlights Louis XIV's achievements, including his role in the French Wars of Religion and his efforts to strengthen Catholicism. It also mentions the economic and social crisis of the time, the Thirty Years' War, and the revolution in England. The letter concludes by emphasizing the significance of preserving history and recognizing the contributions of Louis XIV in shaping the nation.
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Crisis and Absolutism in Europe 1550-1715
French Wars of Religion • Calvinism and Catholicism had become militant religions. Why? • French Wars of Religion • Huguenots were French Protestants and a powerful threat to the crown. • Catholic majority greatly outnumbered them. • Ultra-Catholics • Strongly opposed the Huguenots • Conflict lasted for over thirty years. • Henry IV took the throne. • Political leader of the Huguenots but converted to Catholicism. • He issued the Edict of Nantes • Recognized Catholicism as the official religion of France, but gave Huguenots the right to worship and to political privileges.
Spain’s Conflicts • Philip II – Greatest supporter of militant Catholicism. • Goals: • Consolidate lands • Strict conformity to Catholicism • Absolute monarchy • The “Most Catholic King” was both a success and failure at championing the Catholic faith. • He sought to strengthen his control over the Spanish Netherlands as well. • Nobles of this area greatly resented this. • Outraged people by trying to end Calvinism. • William, the prince of Orange, helped to end his attempted domination of this area. • He had left Spain bankrupt with an out dated army, and an inefficient government.
Economic and Social Crisis • From 1560 to 1650, Europe experienced a severe economic and social crisis. Due to: • Inflation • Smaller amounts of available gold and silver • Growing population • The religious zeal that led to the Inquisition and the hunt for heretics was extended to the belief in witchcraft.
Thirty Years’ War • Religious disputes continued in Germany after the Peace of Augsburg. • The war began in 1618 in the lands of the Holy Roman Empire. • Catholics – Led by Hapsburg Holy Roman emperors. • Protestants – Led by Calvinist nobles. • However, France got involved which turned the war into a political conflict. Several major European powers did… • Conflict lasted for more than thirty years, but ended with the Peace of Westphalia. • All German states could determine their own religion. • The more than 300 states that made up the Holy Roman Empire became independent states.
Revolution in England • Complaints grew until England slipped into Civil War. Adversaries were: • Cavaliers – Supporters of the King, Charles I • Roundheads – Supporters of Parliament • Parliament was successful due to the assistance of the New Model Army of Oliver Cromwell. • “Rump Parliament” soon took over. • Executed Charles I • Abolished both the monarchy and the House of Lords • England was now a commonwealth.
The Restoration • Charles II is restored to absolute power after the death of Cromwell. • Parliament and the monarchy begin to have disputes over the religious beliefs. • Parliament passes the Exclusion Bill: • Would have barred James II from the throne. • Created two groups: Whigs and Tories • Charles II dismisses Parliament, and then upon his death James II takes the throne.
English Bill of Rights • Gave Parliament more power than the monarchy. • Right to make laws and levy taxes • Armies could only be raised with their approval • Citizens had the right to bear arms and a jury trial • Created a freely elected Parliament • Laid the foundation for a limited, constitutional monarchy.
Writing Assignment • The Board of Directors at the Louvre art museum in Paris have a new project in mind. They hope to create a memorial in honor of the “Sun King,” Louis XIV. You are a member of the Board of Trustees, who decide on whether or not projects are funded. Each trustee must compose a letter in favor of the memorial or opposing the construction of the memorial. If the majority agree, the project will move forward. What do you think?
