“L’ETAT, C’EST MOI (I AM THE STATE)” –LOUIS XIV AN AFFIRMATION OF HIS ABSOLUTE POWER

Building Absolutism: When Mazarin died, 18-year-old Louis declared he would run government himself – takes reigns of government in 1661

RULE OF LOUIS XIV

• He brought peace & prosperity to France
• Ruled for 70 years

The Sun King
Louis XIV had chosen the sun as his personal symbol. He was God’s representative on Earth!

Best remembered as the King who built Versailles.

ABSOLUTE MONARCHY

RELIGIOUS UNIFICATION

• Louis smashed the power of Huguenots
• •Over 200,000 Huguenots fled—prosperous merchants, artisans

MONEY & THE MILITARY

• •Mercantilist System
• Louis’ finances were always a concern
• Limited imports, increased exports