Louis XIV and Religion

Marci DillonJulia Colon

Kerianne IngramCharlmane ColterAmber Aguilera

Introduction• King Louis was an absolute ruler. Absolutism:

sovereign power is the ultimate authority and claims divine right.

• He supported religion, particularly Catholicism. He’s Catholic

• Thesis: King Louis XIV attempted to unite France under one king, one law, and one faith through absolutism; however, his intentions of advancing France had negative effects.

Main Points • He used the religion to increase his power.

Catholicism was unified and main religion.• Establishment of Versailles: symbol of

absolutism and separation of Church and Royal power

• Edict of Nantes (1685)- Religious toleration of Huguenots.

• Edict of Fountainbleau (1685)- revokes the Edict of Nantes. Removes religious toleration and destroys Protestant institutions. Hurts economy.

• Protestants suffered.

Connection • Renaissance: Humanism. Extravagance??

• Reformation: Church lost some power, new religions emerged

• Enlightenment: Government power and authority questioned. Religious tolerance (Voltaire).

• French Revolution: foreshadow. (quote) DEBT ( lack of care for Third Estate).

Conclusion• Louis XIV tried to make France powerful yet

centralized.

• He made King and State one and the same.

• He caused unrest and economic downfall: taxes. To support his wars.

• His efforts were futile. Economy was hurt: no jobs. Religion was decentralized. The skillful people left: no technological advances.