Absolute Monarchy: Crash Course European History #13

Summary

In this episode of Crash Course European History, John Green explores the rise of absolutism in the 17th century, focusing on the reign of Louis XIV of France. Known as the Sun King, Louis ruled with the belief in divine right, amassing power and centralizing control over France. The episode examines his opulent court life at Versailles, the heavy taxes levied on commoners, and the costly wars Louis waged. While his reign embodied absolute monarchy, it also laid the groundwork for future challenges to authoritarian rule in Europe.

Takeaways

• 👑 Louis XIV, the Sun King, reigned for over 70 years and is often seen as the epitome of absolutist monarchy.
• ⚔️ Absolutism gave kings, like Louis XIV, divine rights to rule without opposition, elevating their power and authority.
• 🌍 The Treaty of Westphalia ended the Thirty Years War, but life remained difficult for the majority of people, with heavy taxes and famines due to ongoing conflicts.
• 🎨 Louis XIV, in his iconic portraits, is depicted in grand attire, reflecting both his power and the era's standards of masculine beauty, such as wearing heels to show off his legs.
• ⚖️ During Louis XIV's early reign, heavy taxation and military pressures led to widespread revolts from both peasants and the nobility, such as the Fronde uprisings.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Anne of Austria and Cardinal Mazarin ruled as regents during Louis XIV's early reign, facing resistance from the nobles of the robe, judges, and ordinary citizens.
• 🏰 Louis XIV moved the French court to Versailles, transforming it into a grand palace that became a symbol of his absolute rule and a way to distract the nobility.
• 📜 The divine right theory supported absolute monarchy, with Bishop Bossuet preaching that kings were God's representatives on earth and had divine authority.
• 🚢 Louis XIV promoted mercantilism, aiming to increase France's wealth by controlling trade and waging wars to gain more territory, although some of these wars ended in losses.
• 💣 Although absolutism brought centralized power, it drained France's resources through endless wars and heavy taxes, leading to criticism from various groups, including exiled Huguenots.

Q & A

Who was Louis XIV and why was he referred to as the 'Sun King'?

Louis XIV, also known as the 'Sun King,' was the king of France for over 70 years. He earned the title due to his central role in the French monarchy and his grand court at Versailles, which symbolized his perceived power as the source of light and warmth for France.

What role did Anne of Austria play during Louis XIV's early reign?

Anne of Austria, Louis XIV’s mother, served as his regent when he was too young to rule. Alongside Cardinal Mazarin, she governed France during the final years of the Thirty Years War and managed numerous protests and uprisings.

What were some challenges faced by France during the early reign of Louis XIV?

During Louis XIV’s early reign, France was strained by heavy taxes, famine, and the aftereffects of the Thirty Years War. Uprisings like the Fronde occurred, where both peasants and nobility resisted the increasing financial burdens.

What was the significance of the Paulette tax in French history?

The Paulette tax, introduced by Henry IV, allowed government officials to pay a tax to keep their jobs for life or pass them on to successors. This created a powerful class of bureaucrats, known as the 'nobles of the robe,' who held significant influence.

How did Louis XIV’s court life at Versailles distract the French nobility?

Louis XIV built the grand palace of Versailles and moved his court there. The extravagant lifestyle and numerous duties at court, like attending to the king’s personal needs, diverted the nobility from political affairs, ensuring their loyalty.

What was the role of Jean-Baptiste Colbert in Louis XIV's administration?

Jean-Baptiste Colbert was one of Louis XIV's most important officials, managing finances and public works. He supported mercantilism, an economic policy aimed at strengthening France’s economy by controlling trade and promoting manufacturing.

How did the revocation of the Edict of Nantes affect France?

Louis XIV’s revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 led to the persecution of Protestants in France. Many fled the country, taking their skills and businesses to other parts of Europe and North America, which weakened France's economy.

What were the major wars waged by Louis XIV, and what were the outcomes?

Louis XIV fought four major wars: the War of Devolution, the Dutch War, the War of the League of Augsburg, and the War of the Spanish Succession. While he initially gained territory, his later wars resulted in significant losses, especially in Canada to Britain.

What is mercantilism, and how did it influence Louis XIV’s policies?

Mercantilism is an economic theory that views global wealth as finite, meaning one country must lose for another to gain. Under Colbert, France adopted mercantilist policies, focusing on trade, manufacturing, and tariffs to strengthen the nation’s wealth.

How did the concept of absolutism influence Louis XIV’s rule?

Absolutism, the belief that the king’s power is divinely granted, was central to Louis XIV’s reign. He was viewed as the embodiment of the state, with authority over all aspects of government, religion, and society. This belief justified his centralized control and authoritarian policies.