Louis XIV & Absolute Monarchy Flashcards

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the reign of Louis XIV, the development of absolute monarchy in France, and key economic and religious policies.

Cardinal Richelieu

Louis XIII’s chief minister.

War of Spanish Succession

A major European conflict triggered by the childless death of Charles II of Spain, who willed his throne to Philip of Anjou, grandson of Louis XIV of France; one of the 4 wars Louis XIV fought.

Treaty of Utrecht

Also known as The Peace of Utrecht (1713), this was a series of treaties ending the War of the Spanish Succession.

Louis XIV

King of France known as the “Sun King” who ruled for over 70 years and became king at age 4.

Cardinal Mazarin

Louis XIV’s chief minister who ruled France while Louis was a child and died in 1661.

Absolute Monarchy

A system where the king has total power over the government, including complete control over laws, taxes, and the military.

Divine Right

The belief that a king’s power or authority comes directly from God.

Palace of Versailles

Large royal palace where Louis XIV lived and ruled to show wealth and power and keep nobles under his control.

Nobles

Wealthy landowners who had power before Louis XIV limited them by forcing them to live at Versailles.

Mercantilism

Economic system focused on increasing a nation’s wealth by the government controlling trade.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Finance minister who helped strengthen France’s economy by increasing manufacturing, controlling trade, and limiting imports.

The Fronde

A series of terrifying riots and noble uprisings that began in Paris and spread to the countryside, making Louis XIV want more control over nobles.

King Louis XV

Louis XIV’s great grandson who became king after Louis XIV’s death in 1715.

“I am the state”

A famous quote linked to Louis XIV expressing his belief that he was the government.

Huguenots

French Protestants who were forced to convert to Catholicism or leave France due to Louis XIV's religious policies.