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Louis XIV becomes King of France
Louis XIV became king at the age of four. His reign was the longest that ever lasted of any European Monarch. He began ruling after the death of Cardinal Mazarin, his chief minister. -
Period: to
Major Events
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Louis weaken nobles, and strengthen government.
When Cardinal Mazarin dies, Louis takes control of the government by himself. He does this by decreasing the power of the nobles, and increasing the dominance of the government who collect taxes and administered justice. In order to do this, Louis had to make sure he made contact with the local officials. -
Louis attempts to expand France.
Louis tries to expand France's boundaries. He captured Spanish Netherlands and gained 12 towns for his country. Confident with his success, he led his army to invade Dutch Netherlands. But, they had failed. Still, France gained several towns and even a region called Franche-Comte. -
Louis expand the Palace of Versailles.
The Palace of Versailles was originally a hunting lodge built in 1624, by Louis XIII. Louis XVI expanded this palace to proof his absolute power. This palace was the official residence of the Kings of France from 1682 - 1790. The palace is beautifully made. -
Louis support the Arts.
Louis XIV made art very popular, especially opera and ballet. Under Louis, the main purpose of art no longer to glorify God. He believed that the purpose of art during the Renaissance period, was to gloify the king and help his ruling. -
War of the Spanish Succession
A war that laster from 1701 - 1713, in which various European states fought to prevent the Bourbon family from controtlling Spain and France. France lost their colonies and wealth. -
Louis XIV dies.
Louis dies tragically. He realizes that the wars have ruined France, he regrets all the suffering people had to go through. Louis XIV died in his bed and the news of his death made France happy. They have had enough of him.
