Louis XIV, The Sun King
Louis XIV, The Sun KingLouis XIV was only four
years old when he succeeded his father to the French throne. Often uncared
for, he nearly drowned because no one was watching him as he played near a
pond. This began to shape in his young mind an early fear of God.
Louis' character was also shaped by the French Civil War. In this,
the Paris Parlement rose against the crown. For five years, Louis would suffer
fear, cold, hunger and other spirit-breaking events. He would never forgive
Paris, the nobles, or the common people.
Finally, in 1653,
Cardinal Jules Mazarin was able to end the rebellion. He began to instruct
Louis on his position as king. Even though Louis XIV was now of age, the Cardinal
remained the dominant authority in French politics.
French
kings gained respect as a soldier; Louis served with the French army during
France's war with Spain. His biggest battle, however, was sacrificing his love
for Mazarin's niece for politics. In 1660 he married the daughter of the king
of Spain to bring peace between the two countries.
Mazarin
died March 9, 1661. On March 10, Louis claimed supreme authority in France.
Not since Henry IV had such a claim been made. Louis saw himself as God's representative
on earth, therefore, infallible. He oversaw roadbuilding, court decorum, defense,
and disputes within the church.
He had the support initially
of his ministers, then that of the French people. He had given France the image
it desired -- youth and vitality surrounded by magnificence. Louis won the
favor of the nobles by making it evident that their future depended on their
ability stay on his good side. This weakened the nobility, and would eventually
weaken France.
Louis had among his supportors a wide spectrum
of individuals. Writers such as Moliere were ordered to glorify him. Monuments
rose throughout the country and Louis had palaces built in his honor. The most
elaborate was Versailles, located outside Paris. Away from disease, Versailles
also isolated the king from his people. The aristocracy became mysterious.
France was also undergoing an economic revolution. Exports were
increased, and a navy, merchant marine, and police association emerged. Roads,
ports and canals were being built. He invaded the Spanish Nederlands in 1667.
The restarted war between France and Spain would be on again, off again for
the remainder of Louis' reign.
In 1668, the French army retreated
under pressure from Dutch and English forces. Louis swore to defeat the Dutch
and ruin their Protestant mercantile republic. He allied himself with his cousin,
Charles II of England, and invaded the Netherlands in 1672. Louis was victorious
when the Treaty of Mijmegen was...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.