Bourbon monarchs, bourbon rulers of France

Edict of Nantes

A decree issued by Henry IV of France that granted religious freedom to Protestants, allowing them to worship, hold religious services, have schools, and some fortified towns, with the exception of Paris.

Cardinal Richelieu

The regent of Louis XIII who divided France into 32 districts, each ruled by its own intendent.

Divine Right

The belief that Louis XIV was chosen by God to be the absolute ruler of France.

Philippe II, Regent (1715-23)

• The regent to Louis XV who opposed many of Louis XIV's previous rulings, formed alliances, and fought a successful war against Spain.

• Regent to nephew Louis XV. Opposed many of Louis XIV’s previous rulings. He was against censorship and ordered reprinting of many books. Formed alliance with England, Austria and the Netherlands, and fought a successful war against Spain.

Seven Years' War

A war that took place during the reign of Louis XV and resulted in a financial crisis for France, as well as a loss of faith in the monarchy.

Estates General

A representative assembly consisting of the clergy, nobility, and commoners, called by Louis XVI during the French Revolution.

Louis XVI (1775-1792)

• The king of France during the French Revolution, who was eventually tried for treason and executed by the government.

• Ruled during French Revolution. Created the Estates General- 1% of France’s clergy. Didn’t call the Estates General to order for 13 years after becoming King. The people of France hated him for not obliging to the attempted social, political or economic reforms during the war. Tried to flee from Paris to save himself and his family. After returning to France he was put on house arrest and tried for treason by the National Convention. Louis XVI was eventually put to death in 1793 by vote from the government.

Louis XVII (1793-95)

• The son of Louis XVI who became king after his father's execution, but died at a young age with little impact on France.

• Became King after his father Louis XVI was executed. He became King at a very young age, and was very ill during his reign. Louis XVII died at the age of 10 from tuberculosis, and had very little impact on France during his reign. Son of Louis XVI.

Louis XVIII (1795-1824)

• The brother of Louis XVI who became king after Napoleon's downfall, but had no significant rulings during his reign.

• Became King after Napoleon’s downfall. After hearing of Napoleon’s return he fled France, but returned after Napoleon’s short 100 day rule. No significant rulings were brought to France during his reign. Brother of Louis XVI.

Henry IV (1584-1610)

King during France’s war against Catholic League. After a mistake made by Catholic League, HIV pronounces he’s Catholic to end the war. The people of France dislike him for not being committed to Catholicism or the Protestants. Creates Edict of Nantes stating: Protestants in France can worship at home, hold religious services, have schools in small towns, and have some fortified towns, but Paris must not be Protestant.

Louis XIII (1610-43)

Became king when he was 8. His mother was the regent; Louis XIII killed his mother at the age of 18. Cardinal Richelieu becomes new regent and breaks France into 32 districts; each district is ruled by its own intendent

Louis XV (1715-74)

Became ruling King at the age of 14. Ruled during the Seven Years War. Tried to solve financial crisis created by Louis XIV (great-grandfather), but failed. Had a strong love for women which shook France’s faith in the monarchy. Lost in Seven Years War-huge embarrassment/burden for France. Great Grandson of Louis XIV.

Louis XIV (1643-1715)

Takes control over France at the age of 22. Absolute ruler believed he was put on the throne by God (Divine Right). France revolved solely around Louis XIV, built kingdom of Versailles. Dropped taxes against nobility, sold titles to make more money