SAQ UNIT 4 NOTES

Royal Absolutism

A political system where a single ruler has complete control and power over the nation and its people.

Louis XIV's reign

Louis XIV reigned for 72 years.

Louis XIII

Father of Louis XIV; his chief minister was Cardinal Richelieu who established groundwork for Louis XIV's absolutism.

Cardinal Richelieu

Chief minister under Louis XIII who laid groundwork for Louis XIV's absolutism and curtailed privileges granted to French Protestants.

Fronde

A series of rebellions against royal authority by French nobles from 1649 to 1652.

Louis XIV's genius

To make the monarchy the most powerful political institution in France while assuring nobles and wealthy groups retained their influence.

Parlements

Regional judicial bodies in France, with the Parliament of Paris being the most important, which claimed the right to register royal decrees.

Dauphin

The heir to the French throne.

Sun King

Nickname for Louis XIV, symbolizing his belief that he gave life and warmth to his people.

Divine Right of Kings

The doctrine that monarchs derive their authority from God and are answerable only to Him.

L'état, c'est moi

Meaning 'I am the state'; expresses the idea that the king holds all government powers.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Minister to Louis XIV who implemented economic policies that enabled Louis to maintain a powerful army.

War of Devolution

A conflict between France and Spain over the rights of Louis XIV's first wife to inherit the Spanish Netherlands.

League of Augsburg

An alliance against Louis XIV, consisting of England, Spain, Sweden, United Provinces, and major German states.

Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685)

Action by Louis XIV that led to the repression of Protestant worship, resulting in the emigration of many skilled Protestants.

Madame de Maintenon

Louis XIV's mistress and second wife, who influenced him towards a more devout Catholic faith.

9 Years War

Conflict initiated due to Louis XIV's occupation of Strasbourg, opposed by the League of Augsburg.

John Law

Scottish mathematician who managed France's finances and founded the Mississippi Company.

Mississippi Bubble

A financial crisis caused by the collapse of John Law's financial ventures in the Mississippi Company.

Cardinal Fleury

Prime minister under Louis XV who focused on maintaining royal authority and local interests of the nobility.

Grand Alliance

Coalition formed to preserve the balance of power in Europe against Louis XIV's ambitions.

Duke of Marlborough

John Churchill, a military leader known for defeating French forces during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Peace of Utrecht (1714)

Treaty that concluded the War of Spanish Succession and established a balance of power in Europe.