Louis XIV’s absolutism fostered in four major parts: the building of Versailles to control the nobility, the breeding of a strong military, the improvement of France’s economy, and, while quite harsh, the brutal extinction of religious toleration.

How did King Louis XIV represent absolutism?

An absolute monarchy
As sovereign by divine right, the King was God’s representative on earth. It is in this respect that his power was “absolute”, which in Latin means literally ‘free of all restraints’: the king was answerable to no one but God. During his coronation, Louis XIV swore to defend the Catholic faith.

Which is an example of absolutism under King Louis XIV?

Louis XIV is probably regarded as the best example of absolutism in the seventeenth century because he really pulled his nation out of a struggling time period. He ruled with absolute authority bribing local officials to implement his policies.

How did Louis XIV use absolute power?





An absolute monarchy is one in which the king is God’s representative on Earth, giving him absolute power that’s free from all restraints. He created a centralized state that gave him complete power over the French government. King Louis XIV was an absolute monarch because he answered only to God.

What are examples of absolutism?

Conscientious objectors in the military are an example. Other examples of absolutist beliefs include: beliefs in equity or “fairness,” freedom-of-choice, democracy, the golden rule, the rule of law (an opposition to arbitrary power), justice, professionalism, the PRSA Code of Ethics, the Ten Commandments, etc.

How did king Louis become an absolute monarch?

After Mazarin’s death in 1661, Louis XIV broke with tradition and astonished his court by declaring that he would rule without a chief minister. He viewed himself as the direct representative of God, endowed with a divine right to wield the absolute power of the monarchy.

What were the main features of absolutism in France?



In absolutism, the king’s power is virtually unrestrained: It is unrestrained by laws—the king is considered to be above the law; unrestrained by nobles, who are subjugated in many cases; and unrestrained by parliaments or by national assemblies. The king rules by divine right, a view even claimed by medieval kings.

Who started absolutism?

King Louis XIV (1643–1715) of France furnished the most familiar assertion of absolutism when he said, “L’état, c’est moi” (“I am the state”).



What are characteristics of absolutism?

Absolutism is characterized by the ending of feudal partitioning, consolidation of power with the monarch, rise of state power, unification of the state laws, and a decrease in the influence of the Church and the nobility.

Why was Louis XIV not an absolute monarch?

In theory, the king had major authority over the influence of religion, the class fragmentation of society and politics. Even so, practically, Louis XIV was heavily dependent on the support and action of his ‘agents’ like the Nobility, Parlement and Intendants.

How did Louis XIV strengthen his monarchy?

Louis XIV strengthened the power of the monarchy by weakening the nobility, expanding the bureaucracy and army, and by creating new roles in the bureaucracy which allowed royal power to reach further into the provinces.

Was Louis XVI an absolute monarch?



Absolute monarch of France (1774–1789)

Why is Louis XIV the best example of absolutism?

Louis serves as an excellent example of the absolute monarch who commanded complete loyalty and imposed his vision on his country without consideration of the consequences. A tutor to his son once said, “As God’s representative on Earth, the king was entitled to unquestioning obedience.

Why is the reign of Louis XIV regarded as the best example of absolutism in the seventh century?

The reign of Louis XIV was considered the best example of absolutism in the seventeenth century because it was extremely ostentatious, so much so as to bankrupt the empire, because it saw a variety of forced reforms, and because it saw Louis XIV share power with nobody and dominate political action throughout his realm

Which is an example of absolutism in Europe?

The reign of the French King Louis XIV (reigned 1643-1715) has long been considered the best example of absolutism. In fact, during the 17th century, many other European monarchies imitated the French system. For instance, King Louis XIII was only a child when he ascended to the throne.

What was Louis XIV known as?



The reign of France’s Louis XIV (1638-1715), known as the Sun King, lasted for 72 years, longer than that of any other known European sovereign.

Why was Louis XIV significant?

Louis XIV (1638-1715) was king of France from 1643 to 1715. He brought the French monarchy to its peak of absolute power and made France the dominant power in Europe. His reign is also associated with the greatest age of French culture and art.

Why was Louis XIV a good ruler?

Louis XIV’s reign was important in French history not just because it lasted so long but because he was a strong-willed ruler who was determined to make his subjects obey him and to make his kingdom the predominant power in Europe.

How did Louis XIV strengthen his monarchy?

Louis XIV strengthened the power of the monarchy by weakening the nobility, expanding the bureaucracy and army, and by creating new roles in the bureaucracy which allowed royal power to reach further into the provinces.

Was Louis XVI an absolute monarch?

Absolute monarch of France (1774–1789)

Why was Louis XIV not an absolute monarch?



In theory, the king had major authority over the influence of religion, the class fragmentation of society and politics. Even so, practically, Louis XIV was heavily dependent on the support and action of his ‘agents’ like the Nobility, Parlement and Intendants.