He also conveniently declared members of nobility exempt from paying taxes, causing them to become even more fiscally dependent on the crown. In implementing administrative reforms toward a more orderly and stable French government, Louis XIV forced provincial nobles to relinquish their former political influence. In so doing, he constructed a more centralized administration with the bourgeoisie, or middle class, as its foundation.
Along with his changes to the government, Louis XIV created a number of programs and institutes to infuse more of the arts into French culture. Louis XIV is notorious for his overbearing approach to foreign policy. In , he launched the invasion of the Spanish Netherlands, deeming it his wife's rightful inheritance. The War of Devolution, as the conflict was named, lasted a year and ended when the French surrendered and gave the land back to Spain.
France's only conquest was to occupy a few towns in Flanders. The victory promoted France to the status of a dominant power. This status, coupled with Louis XIV's campaigns to continually expand territorial claims through the use of military force, positioned France as a threat to other European nations.
Near the end of the s, those nations, including Spain, England and the Holy Roman Empire, responded by banding together to form the Grand Alliance. A war between France and the Grand Alliance broke out in and waged on for nearly a decade, leading to its becoming known as the Nine Years' War. By the s, Louis XIV had begun to generate public hostility, due, in part, to his efforts to establish religious uniformity throughout France.
The king was a devout Catholic, and his persecution of the Huguenots came to a head with his revocation of the Edict of Nantes, which had formerly granted the Huguenots rights as a religious majority.
Under the Edict of Fontainebleau, Louis XIV orchestrated the destruction of Protestant churches and schools throughout France and forced all children to be educated and baptized as Catholics. The revocation and the new edict served to alienate Protestants, prompting many to leave France and seek religious freedom elsewhere. After the war against the Grand Alliance, France still held most of its original territory, but the country's resources were significantly drained.
The War of the League of Augsburg , followed by the War of the Spanish Succession severely strained French resources. In the War of the Spanish Succession, for the first time in nearly a century France consistently lost battles, most notably at Blenheim in and Ramillies in As his eldest son and grandson had died before him, his great-grandson succeeded him as Louis XV.
Search term:. Read more. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets CSS enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience.
Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets CSS if you are able to do so. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Protestants were forced to convert, and over two hundred thousand fled the country. From his base in Versailles, Louis XIV ruled over a centralised, absolutist state which revolved entirely around him. The King lived in the main wing of the palace, on the first floor, in a suite of three apartments reserved for his use. He applied a strict etiquette at court, a set of rules and protocols by which his noble courtiers were obliged to abide.
With the help of Colbert , he oversaw the administrative and financial reorganisation of his realm, and also set up manufactures and worked to boost trade. With Louvois he reformed the army and enjoyed a string of military victories.
Revise your French history with help from the artworks of the Palace of Versailles! Through our new partnership with the French American Cultural Foundation, American citizens can easily support the Palace of Versailles. During these difficult times, the Palace needs your support more than ever. Discover more on this Foundation.
Discover the history of the Palace of Versailles and its characters in this illustrated video for young and old alike! Take part in the history of the palace of Versailles by supporting a project that suits you: adopt a linden tree, contribute to the missions of the Palace or participate in the refurnishing of the royal apartments.
The app includes the audioguide tour of the Palace and an interactive map of the Estate. It can be used without an Internet connection. King of France and Navarre — From royal residences to the Palace of Versailles Until the official inauguration of the Palace of Versailles on 6 May , the royal court often changed locations. The King is dead Discover the exhibition website. Maria Theresa of Austria His wife. The Grand Dauphin His son and heir. Jean-Baptiste Colbert First Minister. Madame de Montespan His second official mistress.
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