The Age of Absolutism in France
By Noah, Tyler, and Lindsay
France
Essential Questions
For thirty years, battled raged in France between the Catholics and the Huguenots.
The Huguenot's political leader succeeded to the throne as Henry IV.
He converted to Catholicism.
When he was crowned king in 1594, the fighting in France finally came to an end.
To solve the religious problem, he created the Edict of Nantes in 1598.
During the reign of Louis XIV, he believed that God appointed him, giving him permission to rule. However, he was very oppressive because he had been chosen. However, Jacques-Benigne Bossuet believed that there needed to be restraint and fear and one needs to do nor good and evil in order to rule.
French Wars of Religion
Some of these Protestants were called Huguenots, French Protestants whose goals were the same as John Calvin’s. Not all Protestants were Huguenots, but they did compose around 7% of France's total population. There were also many in nobility as 40-50% became Huguenots. This nobility made Huguenots very powerful.
Henry of Navarre (or Henry IV) was the Huguenots political leader. He knew he would never be accepted into Catholic France as a Protestant so he converted to Catholicism to usurp the king of that time. The wars and fighting in France diminished after he was crowned in 1594.
The Edict of Nantes was Henry IV's attempt to solve the religious problem. This edict made Catholicism the official religion of France while also giving the Huguenots the right to worship and enjoy the same privileges Catholics held.
Louis XIV
New ideas originated from the empire
One key to Louis’s power was control of the central policy making machinery of the government, he established a strong royal court that had control over France. King Louis also had a great influence on the art at the time, he was featured in many pieces that included him being depicted as the Sun King.
List of important rulers and dates ruled
Louis XII - ruled 1498-1515 (Father of the People)
Francis I - ruled 1515-1547 (The Father and Restorer of Letters)
Henry II - ruled 1547-1559
Francis II - ruled 1559-1560
Charles IX - ruled 1560-1574
Henry III - ruled 1574-1589
Henry IV- ruled 1589-1610
Louis XIII - ruled 1610-1643
Louis XIV - ruled 1643-1715
Louis XV - ruled 1715-1774
Louis XVI - ruled 1774-1792
Important Terms
Huguenots - French Protestants influenced by John Calvin
Henry of Navarre - The Huguenot's Political Leader
Edict of Nantes - An event which recognized Catholicism as the official religion of France
Absolutism - A system when the ruler/ king holds total power. This power was given to the ruler from God.
Louis XIV - He was regarded as the best example of absolutism. He brought power and stability to France. France endured a period of struggle 50 years before Louis XIV began to reign.
Major accomplishments
1627 - Cardinal Richelieu strengthened the monarchy's power and took away the Huguenots political power and military rights.
1648 - The Peace of Westphalia ended the war and gave France and its allies new territories.
1661- Louis XIV begins absolute rule of France and French culture, language, and manners reached to all levels of society.
What changed during the period
When absolutism was created, rulers received their power from God and God only! They now had the ability to make laws, levy taxes, administer justice, control officials, and determine foreign policy.
Legacy of France
“One key to Louis’s power was his control of the central policy-making machinery of government.” (Spielvogel 466). France survived the revolution since the strong government Louis XIV created led to government reform and art enrichment. Unfortunately, he left France with great debt and enemies.
Works Cited
Baskes, Jeremy. "Glencoe World History, Glencoe, 2003." Glencoe World History, Glencoe, 2003. Scott K. Grunder, 3 Sept. 2003. Web. 04 Dec. 2015.
"France Under Louis XIV." The Age of Absolutism. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Print.
"Mini Bio: Louis XIV." YouTube. YouTube, 10 Feb. 2014. Web. 8 Dec. 2015.