Louis XIV, Absolute Monarchy, and the Huguenots

Vocabulary flashcards covering Louis XIV's absolute monarchy, the social hierarchy of the Three Estates, the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and the persecution and flight of the Huguenots.

Louis XIV

French monarch from the Bourbon royal family, born in 1638, who assumed the throne in 1643 and ruled for 72 years—the longest reign of any monarch in European history.

Cardinal Mazarin

The dominant chief minister and mentor to Louis XIV during his youth; following Mazarin's death in 1661, Louis decided to govern personally without appointing another chief minister.

The Fronde (1648–1653)

A series of rebellions against the French royal government that occurred during Louis XIV's childhood, forcing the young king to flee Paris.

Intendants

Royal officials sent across France to enforce royal laws, supervise taxation and administration, report directly to the central government, and curb the power of local nobles.

Divine Right of Kings

The political doctrine holding that a monarch's authority comes directly from God, placing the king above politicians with the sole power to make major state decisions.

Sun King Symbolism

The emblem of the sun chosen by Louis XIV to symbolize power, order, and light, reflecting his belief that French political and social life should revolve around him like planets around the sun.

Ballet de la Nuit

A court performance in which a 13-year-old Louis XIV appeared costumed as the sun, visually establishing his royal identity and authority.

Versailles

The grand royal palace characterized by strong symmetry and organized gardens, where Louis XIV required influential nobles to reside and compete for status, royal favor, and ceremonial roles.

First Estate

The French social order consisting of the clergy (priests, bishops, and church officials) who owned land, collected church taxes, and paid virtually no taxes.

Second Estate

The French nobility, making up roughly 2% of the population, who held high offices, owned extensive land, avoided many taxes, and lived close to the king at court.

Third Estate

The commoners of France, comprising about 98% of the population (including peasants, craftsmen, doctors, shopkeepers, and merchants), who bore the tax burden of French society.

Caricature

A drawing, picture, or description that exaggerates an individual's physical features or behavior to produce a humorous, critical, or satirical effect.

Convert

To change one's religious beliefs or affiliation.

Revoke

To officially cancel or repeal a law, decree, or decision.

Intimidation

The act of using threats, coercion, or fear to manipulate or influence behavior.

Persecution

Hostile, unfair, or cruel treatment directed toward individuals or groups based on their identity or religious beliefs.

Huguenots

French Protestants who primarily adhered to Calvinism and made significant economic contributions as merchants, traders, craftsmen, and skilled workers.

Edict of Nantes

An official royal law introduced in 1598 granting French Protestants substantial religious freedoms, enabling them to worship and live peacefully in France.

Edict of Fontainebleau (1685)

The royal decree by which Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes, effectively outlawing Protestant worship, ordering the destruction of churches, and closing Protestant schools.

Huguenot cross

A distinctive symbolic emblem representing French Protestants (Huguenots).

Chignon Bible (M1)

An extraordinarily miniature Huguenot Bible from 1753–54 that Protestant women concealed within hairpieces or topknots to practice their faith in secret.

Frederick William (The Great Elector)

The ruler of Prussia (1640–1688) who welcomed fleeing Huguenots by granting them tax exemptions, farmland, housing, and positions in the military and government.

Capital

Financial wealth or funds that can be invested to foster businesses and economic development, which Huguenot refugees carried into neighboring realms.

M2 - Persecution of the Huguenots

A visual depiction showing scenes of violence, destruction, panic, and disorder against French Protestants, prompting sympathy for the victims of religious persecution.

French Cathedral, Berlin (M4)

A major cathedral erected in Berlin during the early 1700s as a lasting monument to the permanent settlement, integration, and religious liberty of Huguenot refugees.