King Louis XIV and Absolutism
By Cameron Church
Who was King Louis XIV?
- He was a French monarch that was the longest serving king in French history.
- He ruled from 1643 to 1715.
- He was known as the sun king, often likening himself to the Greek god Apollo.
Rise of Absolutism
Topic 2
- Under Louis XIV, France witnessed the high point of monarchical ambitions in Western Europe.
- Louis used the doctrine of divine right of kings to justify his hold of power.
- France developed a centralized bureaucracy, a strong professional army, and a state-dictated economy.
- In exchange for confirmation of their privileges, nobles were willing to cooperate an expansion of state power.
Decline of Spain Absolutism
Topic 3
- Monarchs made similar claims, but witnessed an economic catastrophe and decline in royalty.
- This was due to a fall in colonial trade revenue, state debt, and a decline in manufacturing and agriculture productivity.
Spain Absolutism Cont.
Topic 4
- Trade with other colonies fell by 60%.
- To meet state debt, the king devalued coinage, as well as declared bankruptcy, which caused the national debt to collapse.
- There was a small middle class.
Videos
-King Louis XIV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5Njjd6R6d0
-Spain Absolutism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRujiASJcn4