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Louis Became King of France
After the death of his father, Louis XIII, Louis became king of France at age of 4. -
Louis ' Anger towards Nobility
The true ruler of France was Cardinal Mazarin, a successor of Richelieu, when young Louis became king. But the nobles didn't like Mazarin because he increased taxes and strengthen central government. Young Louis was threathened by the riots of nobles against Mazarin, so he determined to be strong that no one will oppose him. -
Nobles' Power Decreases
After Mazarin died, 22 years old Louis ruled France by himself. He remembered how he suffered from the nobles, so he decreased their power by not using them in the councils. Instead, he increased the power of government by using agents called intendents to collect taxes and administer justice. But these agents also had to report regularly to Louis so that he can keep control of their power. -
Louis's Absolute Power
Louis had absolute power during his reign. Every morning, 100 nobles would wait for them in the hope of Louis noticing them. But only 4 nobles were lucky to wake him up and help him dress. He had nearly 500 cookers, servants, and waiters who were there to satisfy his tastes. -
France Invaded Spain
At that time, France had 20 million people. This was huge population at that time, so France was strong country in Europe. Louis got confidence and invaded Spain, which was the stronggest country of Europe. Through this war, he gained 12 towns. -
France Lost in War
After the success of invasion, Louis got more confidence and invaded Netherlands. But Dutch people saved their country by opening the dikes and flooded their country. Beause the country got flooded, France couldn't invade Netherlands. -
Louis Power Decreased
At that time, Dutch prince William became king of England. He joined the union of other European countries. While other European countries gained power, France became weak by contionuous war and poor harvests. To save his country, Louis made another war. -
War of the Spanish Succession
The Spanish king, Charles II didn't have son so he promised that he will make Louis' grandson, Philip to become king of Spain after he died. Other European countries were threathened by the result of union of Spain and France, so they made wars to weaken France. -
End of War of the Spanish Succession
After long times of war, war of the Spanish Succession ended in 1714. The European countries agreed to let Louis grandson become king of Spain, but disagreed to let Spain and France unite together. The Treaty of Utrecht was signed in this year. -
The Sun King's Death
Louis was absolute ruler when he was young, but he regretted that when his death came near. The French people enjoyed when their king died because they had enough of his absolute power. Surely, Louis made his people suffer by high taxes, absolute power, and wars. But he made France ranked above in lliterature, art, statesmanship, and millitary in Europe.
