The Rule of Absolute Monarchy

Prior to 1643-1715, King Louis Xiii ruled until death. He was a member of the House of Bourbon and his reign was defined by the influence of Richelieu and strengthening the absolute monarchy. He later passed on his rule to Louis XIV in 1643 when Louis was still very young. Although there was a period of continuous struggle against traditional authorities with little respect from some individuals, Louis XIV of France was a successful implementation of absolute monarchy through growing wealth of the nation and subject power.

Citizens of France believed that what Louis XIV had to offer would benefit their nation as a whole with his new success of becoming an absolute monarch with an increase of wealth. General of finances, Jean Baptiste Colbert wrote a letter to Louis stating that the economy should be unified, and that having a self-sufficient nation would possess greater wealth for the nation, (doc 4). From Colbert's perspective as a General of finances, he would likely feel that the implementation of self sufficiency would benefit France overall, leading to greater wealth in the long run. The Hall of Mirrors was emphasised through the physical aspect in the Palace of Versailles and its luxury qualities, (doc 7). It was built to help reduce imports and build up domestic luxury industries to keep gold inside of France. Additionally to this documentary evidence, Venice had a monopoly on mirror making and Colbert convinced Venetian artisans to come to France to teach the French how to create mirrors, leading to mercantilism.

While many believed that Louis XIV had good intentions during his reign, others believed that he was a selfish person, trying to take everything for himself. Bishop, Jaques Benigne Bossuet believed that Louis was trying to portray himself as an image of God, therefore he was not to be trusted or obeyed, (doc 1). Bossuet was reaching out to other religious individuals under Louis's rule, who likely agreed with him because they believed in divine right where the spirit of God determines their fate, not trying to become God himself. The pamphlet “The Sighs of Enslaved France” states that the king has taken everything for himself and how the laws are no longer respected because only his will is the law. The author writes this to highlight how anyone under Louis will die under the burden of taxes for his endless wars and chaos he has caused.

Louis XIV exhibited his immense power through subjugation of his people, changing France whoever he pleased. The revocation of the Edict of Nantes, The Edict of Fontainebleau abolished all former protestant rights so France could be ruled by the one faith of Catholicism, (doc 5). He believed that having more than one religion was a violation of absolute authority, therefore diminishing any privileges granted to Protestants. Nobleman at Versailles, Saint Simon highlights the importance of how Louis stayed in a state of competition and subjection in his home through favors from others, (doc 6). The intent of these actions was to keep the king content, therefore if he was happy, everyone was happy.

While many believed Louis XIV was not a fair or kind monarch, shifting away from traditional ideals, It was known that the changes he made to the nation of France was beneficial as a whole. Overall, Louis helped his nation economically, nationally, and politically, keeping the peace and prosperity throughout France. In years to come, new rulers came to power, but the events caused by their power did not lead to good outcomes for France.