Words: 1036
LOUIS XIV OF FRANCE AND ABSOLUTISM QUESTION: In Louis XIV’s view, what were the qualities of an effective monarch? In his opinion, what were the main obstacles to absolute rule? Louis XIV is known as being one of the most remarkable monarchs in history. He reined for seventy-two years (1643-1715) and from 1661, he personally controlled French government. The 17th century is labelled as the age of Louis XIV. Louis XIV, was a strong believer in “absolutism” – term used to describe a form of monarchical power that is unrestrained by any other institutions, such as churches, legislatures, or social elites.
In other words, the monarch has complete power over the state and its individuals who inhabit this state. Absolutism focuses on three main aspects: the first is to create war and peace, the second to regulate religion and the third was to oversee economic activity. Throughout his reign, he was able to follow these standards and maintain success. This essay will take a look at what exactly is absolutism, what Louis XVI thinks some of the qualities an effective monarch possesses and some of the obstacles to absolute rule.
As previously mentioned, absolutism is a term used to describe a form of monarchical power that is unrestrained by any other institutions, such as churches, legislatures, or social elites. The groundwork for Louis XIV’s absolutism was laid down by two powerful ministers, Cardinal Richelieu and then by Cardinal Mazarin. Both of these ministers attempted to impose direct royal administration on France. Absolutism has three main components to it: the first is to create war and peace, the second to regulate religion and the third was to oversee economic activity.
In his actions he always incorporated absolutism. For example, Louis revoked The Edict of Nantes. (Document C) This deals greatly with the second component of absolutism (regulation of religion). Louis XIV believed a country could not be under one king and one law unless it was also under one religious system. The main goal of Louis XIV was to make the monarchy the most important and powerful political institution in France while also assuring the nobles and other wealthy groups of their social standing influence on the local level.
This is apparent when Louis states “L’ETAT C’EST MOI” (I am the state). Ultimately, Louis XIV satisfied these three components and as a result of this, he was successful in his long reign as King of France. In Louis XIV’s view of an effective monarch is one that followed absolutism effectively. Specifically one that has absolute power and direct control over his subjects by giving them no more and no less to “carefully guard against their excess”. Document D) Louis XIV was not fond of the nobles during his absolute rule as monarch in France as a result of the Fronde that occurred during his reign. With the Fronde in the back of Louis XIV’s mind, he was able to make smart choices of picking members for his council which would rule his political, military, administrative, and economical affairs. Louis liked having direct control over his subjects, not only council members, or noble classes, but even in religion. Louis believed that France would be better if it was ruled by one king and one law and also under one religious system.
As a result of his own philosophy, Louis no longer tolerated the Reformed Church and also the Jansenism Movement in France. Another way of becoming an effective monarch was through wealth, style and glory as shown in the palace of Versailles (Document B). The palace was originally a hunting lodge in a small country village but during Louis XIV’s reign it had evolved from a small hunting lodge to a spectacular piece of architecture. Versailles would hold many grand balls and celebrated events so that Louis could display his glory and grace to the people of France.
An effective monarch according to Louis XIV is someone who demonstrates more of an autocratic leadership style ” which means that they have control over everything. Also, an effective leader can show off their wealth and their success. In Louis XIV’s opinion of obstacles that had kept him from absolute rule were useless nobles, religious unity, understanding and control. Louis XVI had no true use for nobles unless they had served in his royal court. Another barrier that Louis XVI had encountered with was his need for a religious unity under the Catholic faith.
Louis XVI had gotten rid of the Reformed religion and demanded a unity under his law, authority and religion. Louis XVI was an absolute monarch and thus he could not fully trust all of his royal officials to work his administrations for him, instead he believed he had to be intelligent and have the knowledge of his administrations. If a king relies on those who serve him more than he relies on himself then he is more susceptible to being tricked and backstabbed. Lastly a king must gain ontrol because even though he may have trusted a few within his secret affairs, he must be able to have control over his subjects so that he does not have to fear his own subjects with blackmail. Even though Louis XVI was in complete control, he was susceptible to many obstacles throughout his reign. Mainly trust issues were one of the biggest issues with Louis XVI because he could not trust some of the nobles that he had worked with. With the use of absolutism, Louis XVI was able to reign successfully throughout his years.
Louis XVI considered an effective monarch who can be an absolute leader and at the same time they can show their power through their wealth, possessions and their success. Ultimately his reign was bumpy at times but eventually, he proved some people wrong and in today’s society he is known as being one of the most remarkable monarchs in history. Louis XVI has laid down the ground work for future kings especially for his predecessor Louis XVIII. The advice laid down by Cardinal Richelieu would have set Louis XVIII straight and to keep Louis XVI’s legacy long living.