France’s Absolute MonarchyCH 16 section 2

Religious Wars in France• In the early 1500’s French Kings were

Roman Catholic (supported by absolutists)• In the 1530’s many nobles turned to

Protestantism to weaken the monarchy and agitate for a representative, decentralized government (Huguenots)– persecution begins around the 1530’s

(inquisition around 1540)– France becomes a battlefield

• Bourbon (Pr.) v. The Guise (RC)

Henry II Cath. De Medici

MargariteCharles IX1560-1574

Henry III1574-1589

Francis II1558-1560

Henry(IV) of Navarre

1589-1610

First Bourbon Monarch of France

Last Valois Monarch of France

Henry of Navarre (Henry IV)• Henry was a leading Protestant in France

had married into the Roman Catholic Royal family

• The King’s mother (Catherine de Medicis) orders the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre August 24th 1572– 3,000 Killed in one day another 20,000 over

next 3– Protestants Nobles had come to represent a

threat to power of the monarchy (limited monarchy-local power)

Henry IV (r. 1589-1610)• King Henry III was assassinated in 1589

after he allied with Henry of Navarre– Henry becomes King and is facing invasion by

Spain and converts to RC. • “Paris is well worth a mass” (pragmatic)

• Edict of Nantes (April 13,1598)– Calvinists granted freedom of worship– Henry is assassinated by a catholic fanatic in

1610– Royal officials replace Nobles and cut into their

power by making life better for all in France

Louis XIII (1610-1643)• Became King at the

age of 9 when his father Henry IV was assassinated– His mother ruled as

regent for him and in 1624 Cardinal Richelieu became his chief advisor

Richelieu’s goals for France• Desired to make France the leading

power in Europe (Anti Spain and Hapsburg)

• All power to the King• Stop the threat of the Huguenots

(truncated the Edict of Nantes)– However sided with the Protestants in

the 30 years war• Maintain a balance of power in

Europe by limiting Hapsburg power

Richelieu

Louis XIV (1643-1715)• Louis XIV was only 5 years old when his

father died in 1643– Cardinal Mazarin replaces Cardinal Richelieu– A Rebellion of the Nobles(The Fronde) was a

failure (Louis forced into Exile)– He is convinced France needs a strong King

and begins to seek absolute power– When Mazarin dies in 1661 he assumes

complete control• “L’etat C’est Moi”

Absolutism• Crises of 16th Century led to a desire for stability/

safety Absolutism. – Ruler has total power, divine right usually, all

decisions rested with them. – Louis XIV led the charge. “I order you not to sign

anything, not even a passport without my command; to render account to me personally each day and to favor no one.”

Louis Path to absolutism• Intendants: used to collect taxes, recruit

soldiers and carry out Royal policy• Revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685• The “Estates General” of France will not meet

from 1614-1689• Finance minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert helped

make France one of the richest countries in Europe

• Made the French Army into the strongest in Europe (300,000)– Helped enforce his policies

The Sun King

• His control of nobility was complete • Arts/entertainment• Court lifestyle • “I am the state”

Versailles• 700 Rooms• Over 500 yards long• Over $2.5 billion to build, 36,000 laborers• Showed absolute power

– Nobles moved there– Silenced nobility and took control of policy, taxes, and

Church. – “Every time I appoint someone to a vacant position, I

make a hundred unhappy and one ungrateful.” -Louis

Legacy of Louis

• Expanded French borders by war.– Voltaire on Louis XIV

[It is certain that he passionately wanted glory, rather than the conquests themselves. In the acquisition of Alsace and half of Flanders, and of all of Franche-Comté, what he really liked was the name he made for himself].

• Died with France in major debt

• Question: What are the benefits and problems associated with absolute rulers?