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Legacy of Louis XIV: The Sun King of France

Explore how French monarchs Louis XIV and Louis XV impacted Europe's power dynamics. Learn about the grandeur of Versailles, Louis's control over nobility, patronage of the arts, disastrous wars, and his legacy. Understand the challenges faced by France post-Louis XIV's era, including economic reforms by John Law and the Mississippi Bubble. Dive into the reign of Louis XV, social divisions, and growing discontent among the French population. Discover the shift towards resistance to royal absolutism and the reinstatement of the Estates General.

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Legacy of Louis XIV: The Sun King of France

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  1. 10th World Studies 11.22.15 • Turn in: • 16.2 (Stamp) • Take out: • Planner • Pen/Pencil • Notes • Chart & Map • Today’s objective: • I can explain how French monarchs following Louis XIV impacted power in Europe. Today’s Agenda: • France: • Louis XIV • Louis XV HW: • Versailles VT—TII.com by Wednesday 11:59 PM • Exam tomorrow!!! • Map and Chart!!! (although you should be finished, because you did it as you went, right?!?)

  2. The Sun King’s Grand Style • Louis spent a fortune surrounding himself with luxury • Built the huge palace at Versailles “near” Paris (not so near in Louis’ time…a hunting lodge) • Palace was 500 yards long • Ornate decoration and furnishings • Intended to clearly show Louis’s wealth and power • Power of 10,000 • Boston, New York, Philadelphia (these are cities…Versailles is a palace…just saying.)

  3. Louis Controls the Nobility • The Fronde • “L’Etat, C’estMoi” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W-GUxZiOsM • “I am the state.” • Louis required hundreds of nobles to live at Versailles • They were kept busy with elaborate rituals surrounding Louis • The Levée • Increased royal authority in two ways: • Made the nobility dependent on Louis • Took them away from their homes so the intendants had more power • Kept them under Louis watchful eye

  4. Patronage of the Arts(think: Renaissance…) • Versailles was a center of arts • Louis made opera and ballet more popular • Most famous writer – Moliere • Wrote comedies • Louis supported the arts as a way to glorify the king and promote values that supported his absolute rule

  5. Louis Fights Disastrous Wars • Under Louis, France was the most powerful country in Europe • He attempted to expand France’s boundaries by invading the Spanish Netherlands, but he only gained a small region • Decided to fight other wars, but other countries joined together to keep France from becoming too strong • A poor harvest, high taxes to finance the wars, and constant warfare brought suffering to the people of France (this will become a theme…)

  6. Louis’s Death and Legacy • Died in 1715 • Positive legacy: • France was a great power • Leader in European art and literature • Military leader of Europe • Had a strong empire of colonies • Negative legacy: • Left huge debt from wars and building Versailles • Resentment by the poor over taxes and Louis’s abuse of power

  7. The Legacy of Louis XIV • L’etat, C’estmoi • Transformed France into the strongest country in Europe • Able financial ministers: Cardinal Richelieu and Jean Baptiste Colbert • transformed French economy • increased trade and improve French treasury…HOWEVER: • The wars of Louis XIV against Spain and internal wars of religion will nearly bankrupt the nation.

  8. A Shaky Monarchy after Louis XIV • Death of Louis XIV who ruled for 72 years, left throne to great-grandson, Louis XV (another boy king…) • the Duke of Orleans, regent for five-year old Louis XV makes John Law financial manager of the kingdom • Helped establish the first national French bank—the BanqueGenerale John Law

  9. John Law and the French Economy…Say it with me:COLONIALISM!!! • The wars of Louis XIV left the country completely wasted, economically and financially • Law abolished internal tolls and encouraged building new roads for trade • Started new industries—led to 60% increase over two years • Revived overseas commerce by increasing French fleet from 16 to 300 ships • Fur trade • Sugar!!! • Canada, Louisiana • Caribbean Islands (Haiti)

  10. “The Mississippi Bubble” Law organizes a monopoly on trading privileges in the French colony of Louisiana in North America To get French investors, the value of the Mississippi Company’s stock was inflated 1718—the Mississippi Bubble as it was called turns into a financial disaster and Law flees the country disguised as a woman

  11. The impending collapse of John Law’s bank triggered a financial panic throughout France. Desperate investors sought to exchange their paper currency, for gold and silver before the banks’ supply of precious metals was exhausted. Collection Musée de Bretagne, Rennes

  12. The Reign of Louis XV (r. 1715-1774) • Saw growing discontent among French citizens who desired more say in gov’t and rejected royal absolutism set up by his great grandfather, Louis XIV • The Estates General is reinstalled and becomes the center for popular resistance to royal authority for most of the century

  13. Social Division amongst the French • Many French resented special privileges of the aristocracy • Nobles and clergy were exempt from taxes • Aristocracy received gov’t pensions • Highest positions in gov’t were reserved for aristocrats • Promotions based on political connections rather than merit • Versailles became a symbol of wasteful, extravagant, and a frivolous life

  14. Growing Discontent • France’s main ability to produce in agriculture was based on the feudal system of peasantry tied to the land • Peasants were taxed excessively in comparison to other segments of society • What happens with enough discontent???

  15. Need for Gov’t Reform • France had no uniform code of laws lacked justice in French judicial system • Not all classes were treated equally in the eyes of the law • 1770—local parliaments (courts) rose up against Louis XV’s absolutism, BUT were abolished by the king • Some philosophes(foreshadowing…) applauded the parliaments attempt at reform and demanded an overhaul of French system

  16. Under Louis XV (r. 1715–1774) France suffered major defeats in Europe and around the world and lost most of its North American empire. • Louis himself was an ineffective ruler, and during his reign, the monarchy encountered numerous challenges from the French aristocracy. • CORBIS/Bettmann

  17. Death of Louis XV • Louis XV failed to solve the problems of France left to him by his great-grandfather • Corruption and inequality in gov’t are the legacies left behind • Public does not love/fear the king…crowds lined the road to curse Louis casket

  18. Death of Louis XV • Louis XV failed to solve the problems of France left to him by his great-grandfather • Corruption and inequality in gov’t are the legacies left behind • Public does not love/fear the king…crowds lined the road to curse Louis casket

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