Aim : How did Louis XIV justify and maintain his absolute rule in France?

Thursday – May 24, 2012 Mr. Lombardi

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Do Now: Answer the following in your notebook:

How do you think an absolute monarch can justify his/her absolute rule of a country?

• List and describe as many different ways/reasons as possible.

Aim: How did Louis XIV justify and maintain his absolute rule in France?

Handout: History Makers: Louis XIV– Read the handout.– Answer the question(s).– Due: Friday, May 25

H.W. #20

European Absolutism and the Reign of Louis XIII in France

• Absolutism begins to trend in Europe.• Cardinal Richelieu strengthens the monarchy

in France by:1. calling for religious toleration between Catholics

and Protestants (Huguenots)2. limiting the power of the nobility

The Reign of Louis XIV in FranceLouis XIV was the longest king of France in European history. He was a “divine right” king. This meant that God had selected him to rule France. Disobeying the king was the same as disobeying God, according to Louis XIV.

•Compare the term “divine right” to another vocabulary term to a previous unit.

Critical Thinking Questions:1. Why might nobles tolerate Louis XIV’s high

expectations?

2. How might different classes of French people have reacted to the opulence of Versailles?

3. Why might Britain be considered the big winner during the War of Spanish Succession?

Summary

1. How did Louis XIV justify and maintain his absolute rule in France?

2. How did the policies of Colbert and Louis XIV affect the French economy? Explain both positive and negative effects.

Why do you think Louis XIV was nicknamed Sun King?

Regents Prep - Absolutism

Historical Context:Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles was proof of his absolute power. Only a ruler with total control over his country’s economy could afford such a lavish palace. It cost an estimated $2.5 billion in 2003 dollars. Louis XIV was also able to force 36,000 laborers and 6,000 horses to work on the project.

1. Why do you think Louis XIV believed he needed such a large and luxurious palace? Explain what practical and symbolic purposes Versailles might have served.

2. Consider the amount of money and effort that went into the construction of this extravagant palace. What does this reveal about the way 17th century French society viewed its king?

3. Consider your knowledge of absolutism. How might the different features of Versailles have reflected and strengthened the power of Louis XIV? Support your answer using evidence from the images.