Age of Louis XIV Reading Questions

List some of the policies and achievements of Henry IV during his reign.

Established foundations for successors to build a stronger for centralized French state. Started the Bourbon monarchy.

State and explain the main political and social domestic policy goals of Cardinal Richelieu.

Used intendants to gather information, collected taxes, and ensured royal edicts were enforced to reduce powers of provincial nobles. Helped strengthen royal control. Saw Huguenots as potential rebels, though he was anti-protestant his main objective was to weaken the Habsburgs and prevent them from controlling territories around France.

Why did Cardinal Richelieu support the Protestant side in the Thirty Years War?

Because his main objective was to weakened Habsburgs, and the Protestants were against the Habsburgs.

What political atmosphere in 17th century France allowed Louis XIV to assume absolute power?

French people were desperate for because and stability after the disorders of the Fronde and were willing to accept a strong monarch who would restore power.

Why would Louis XIV prefer to work with the recently ennobled or the middle class?

He did not want to share power with his minister, he believed only he should have power. Wanted public to know he did not intend to share power with his ministers.

List and explain the consequences of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes under Louis XIV.

Destruction of protestant churches, closing of schools, exile of Huguenot pastors, around 200,000 protestants fled into exile including some of the kings most highly skilled artisans.

How did the construction of Versailles allow Louis XIV to gain more control of the French nobility?

Required all great nobles to spend at least part of the year in attendance on him there to keep an eye on their activities. Louis controlled the distribution of state power and wealth so they had to go a compete for his favor.

What “etiquette rituals” were established in the court of Louis XIV and why?

Ceremonies like waking up, dressing in the morning, removing clothing, and retiring at night. Another form of control, as if you were one of the courtiers during the ceremonies that means you were treated favorably for things like government offices, military and religious posts, state pensions, honorary titles, and many other benefits.