French Absolutism

 AGE OF ABSOLUTISM 

Western Civilization   pp. 417-425

 Absolutism  is a form of governance in which single hereditary ruler exercises complete power.

I. Factors that promoted absolutism in early modern Europe.

   A. Historic example
   B. Divine Right of Kings
   C. Established Church
   D. Professional armies
   E. Civil service 

II. Absolutism in France

    A Henri Bourbon of Navarre, Henry IV,  of France (1589-1610)

  1. Marriage to Margaret Valois,
  2. The Massacre of St. Bartholomew Day ,Aug.24,1572
      Edict of Nantes   ,   Huguenots , 1598

    B. Louis XIII (1610-1643)

  1. Cardinal Richelieu, (1624-1642
    a.  King Supreme in France
         i. nobility   Edict of 1626 ordering the demolition of the feudal castles in France
         ii. Huguenots
             Religion and history in the 16th and 17th centuries (good summary of
              Richelieu's policies

          b. France Supreme in Europe
              i. The Thirty-Years-War

   C.   Louis XIV1643-1715)

  1. Cardinal Mazarin (1642-1661)
    a. King Supreme in France
        i. Fronde
    b. France Supreme in Europe
       i. Treaty of the Pyrenees

              2. Louis XIV's personal reign
                   a. King Supreme in France 
                       (Louis XIV's character)  Court of Louis XIV   
                           Versailles ,  Etiquette; Louis XIV and Religion  Saint-Simon: Court of Louis XIV
                    b. France Supreme in Europe
                       i.  THE WARS OF LOUIS XIV  (outlines)  The Wars of Louis XIV

   D. Absolutism after Louis XIV

            1. Louis XV, (1715-1774)
            2. Louis XVI,  (1774-1792)

In looking at this material be sure that you understand how concerns about religion/protecting the established church provide French kings the opportunity to put down opposition to their authority.  Be sure you understand how Louis XIV's elaborate court at Versailles was used to  control the French nobility.  Be sure you understand the threat that the Hapsburgs posed to French expansionism.

Links

.Map of Europe_1500

Age of Absolutism Review

Wars of Religion,1500's

Catherine de Medici

Theory of Absolutism, France            .

Accounts of the women in Louis XIV's life by his sister-in-law, MADAME ELIZABETH-CHARLOTTE OF BAVARIA,
DUCHESSE D'ORLEANS.  Maria-Teresa;  Madame de la Valliere;  Madame de Montespan; Madame de Maintenon


 Château de Versailles – Site officiel – Résidence royale du Roi Louis XIV.

Creating French Culture (Path to Royal Absolutism)

Creating French Culture (Rise and Fall of Absolutism)

       .Versailles powerpoint show.ppt

 

    Henry IV slide show