france’s absolute monarchy ch 16 section 2. religious wars in france in the early 1500’s french...
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Religious Wars in France• In the early 1500’s French Kings were
Roman Catholic (supported by absolutists)• In the 1530’s many nobles turned to
Protestantism to weaken the monarchy and agitate for a representative, decentralized government (Huguenots)– persecution begins around the 1530’s
(inquisition around 1540)– France becomes a battlefield
• Bourbon (Pr.) v. The Guise (RC)
Henry IICath. De Medici
MargariteCharles IX1560-1574
Henry III1574-1589
Francis II1558-1560
Henry(IV) of Navarre
1589-1610
First Bourbon Monarch of France
Last Valois Monarch of France
Henry of Navarre (Henry IV)• Henry was a leading Protestant in France
had married into the Roman Catholic Royal family
• The King’s mother (Catherine de Medicis) orders the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre August 24th 1572– 3,000 Killed in one day another 20,000 over
next 3– Protestants Nobles had come to represent a
threat to power of the monarchy (limited monarchy-local power)
Henry IV (r. 1589-1610)• King Henry III was assassinated in 1589
after he allied with Henry of Navarre– Henry becomes King and is facing invasion by
Spain and converts to RC. • “Paris is well worth a mass” (pragmatic)
• Edict of Nantes (April 13,1598)– Calvinists granted freedom of worship– Henry is assassinated by a catholic fanatic in
1610– Royal officials replace Nobles and cut into their
power by making life better for all in France
Louis XIII (1610-1643)• Became King at the
age of 9 when his father Henry IV was assassinated– His mother ruled as
regent for him and in 1624 Cardinal Richelieu became his chief advisor
Richelieu’s goals for France• Desired to make France the leading
power in Europe (Anti Spain and Hapsburg)
• All power to the King• Stop the threat of the Huguenots
(truncated the Edict of Nantes)– However sided with the Protestants in
the 30 years war
• Maintain a balance of power in Europe by limiting Hapsburg power
Louis XIV (1643-1715)• Louis XIV was only 5 years old when his
father died in 1643– Cardinal Mazarin replaces Cardinal Richelieu– A Rebellion of the Nobles(The Fronde) was a
failure (Louis forced into Exile)– He is convinced France needs a strong King
and begins to seek absolute power– When Mazarin dies in 1661 he assumes
complete control• “L’etat C’est Moi”
Absolutism
• Crises of 16th Century led to a desire for stability/ safety Absolutism. – Ruler has total power, divine right usually, all
decisions rested with them. – Louis XIV led the charge. “I order you not to sign
anything, not even a passport without my command; to render account to me personally each day and to favor no one.”
Louis Path to absolutism• Intendants: used to collect taxes, recruit
soldiers and carry out Royal policy• Revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685• The “Estates General” of France will not meet
from 1614-1689• Made the French Army into the strongest
in Europe (300,000)– Helped enforce his policies
The Sun King
• His control of nobility was complete • Arts/entertainment• Court lifestyle • “I am the state”
Versailles• 700 Rooms• Over 500 yards long• Over $2.5 billion to build, 36,000 laborers• Showed absolute power
– Nobles moved there– Silenced nobility and took control of policy, taxes, and
Church. – “Every time I appoint someone to a vacant position, I
make a hundred unhappy and one ungrateful.” -Louis
Legacy of Louis
• Expanded French borders by war.– Voltaire on Louis XIV
[It is certain that he passionately wanted glory, rather than the conquests themselves. In the acquisition of Alsace and half of Flanders, and of all of Franche-Comté, what he really liked was the name he made for himself].
• Died with France in major debt
• Question: What are the benefits and problems associated with absolute rulers?
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