Inquiry Question: Where does the power to govern come from?

In the 17th century (1600-1700) France was a hereditary monarchy. This means the ruler was a king. Power was passed from the king to his eldest son. This form of government had its origins in the medieval period and was widely viewed as appropriate. However, throughout the medieval period kings were not all powerful. They were limited by the power of the nobility and the Roman Catholic Church. To stay in power, kings needed to keep these two groups happy, if they did not they would face rebellion from the nobility or excommunication from the Pope in Rome. In short, the power of kings in the medieval period was never absolute and often very insecure.

This paradigm changed dramatically with the reign of King Louis XIV. Louis became king at the age of 5 in 1643, although he would not actually take control of the kingdom until 1661 when he was 23 years old. Subsequently, Louis governed France as an absolutist monarch. This did not mean he could control everything and everyone in France, but rather he refused to share any decision-making authority with anyone else. Specifically, this excluded the nobility and the clergy from exercising political power in France. In Louis’ mind, kings had a divine right to rule their subjects and this power could not have any limit or be subjected to another authority (e.g. nobles, the Pope, the people). While Louis was by no means the only absolutist ruler in Europe, the political, economic, and cultural power of France was so great that his image and style of government were widely copied by other European monarchs (e.g. Peter the Great in Russia, Maria Teresa in Austria, and Frederick William in Prussia-Brandenburg) who also wanted to expand their personal authority over their respective kingdoms.

Up to this moment I have been pleased to entrust the government of my affairs to the late Cardinal. It is now time that I govern them myself. You [he was talking to the secretaries and ministers of state] will assist me with your counsels when I ask for them. I request and order you to seal no orders except by my command . . . 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.

King Louis XIV addressing his ministers after taking over the administration of the kingdom in 1661.

While watching the video record some notes on the following topics;

• Daily life in Versailles and the types of people who lived there.
• The purpose of Versailles in Louis’ government (e.g. why did he build it?)

Read the the website linked here and answer the following questions about Louis’ “Royal Government”. However, I want you to read as a group. Take turns reading a sentence out loud. Stop at the end of each section and answer the question!

1. What did Louis XIV do differently when he became King of France? (“The ‘Sun King’”)
2. Describe how Louis XIV used the Palace of Versailles to control France. Hint: google some pictures of the palace! (“Versailles as a political device”)
3. Identify the consequences of the many wars fought by Louis XIV. (“War, nationalism and bureaucracy”)
4. Explain why the royal absolutism created by Louis XIV was not very good for France. (“Extravagent Spending, Royal Oppression, Government Expansion”)

Bonus Video: “Louis XIV – Le Roi Soleil // The Sun King“

In summary…

Despite the extraordinary political changes Louis XIV achieved, there were serious problems in France when he died in 1715. The expansion of the government bureaucracy, the construction of the lavish palace of Versailles, and the numerous wars created a huge demand for tax revenues. Although Louis had made the nobility submit to his authority as king, he dared not make them pay taxes because they might object and start a rebellion. The clergy was similarly left untaxed. As a result, the entire tax burden fell upon the common people, most of whom were poor peasants and small land-holders. Meanwhile, a growing number of merchants and businessmen were increasingly unsatisfied with their position in society and were jealous of the privileges given to the nobility.

On the surface France looked like a glorious kingdom, rich and cultured. Below the surface, there were cracks in the foundation that would only grow bigger as the 18th century continued. These cracks would eventually lead to a lengthy and bloody revolution in the summer of 1789.

Reflection: What are some problems with absolutism and the divine right of kings? Are these good systems of governance? Why or why not?

Key Terminology

Absolutism	A type of governance in which the ruler, typically a hereditary monarch, ruled without limitations. The monarch could pass laws and issue edicts and declarations without the consent or agreement of anyone else. The powers of the state are also expanded to control the economic, cultural and religious affairs of the country.
Divine Right of Kings	A theory of governance that argued monarchs ruled their kingdom with the permission of God. In other words, kings were chosen by God to rule. Therefore, the monarch’s rule was divine and could not be challenged or restricted in any way.
Louis XIV	King of France from 1643 to 1715. A firm believer in the Divine Right of Kings he implemented an absolutist form of government in France. His reign saw the power of the first and second estates decline and royal power increase. Louis fought many wars in Europe that were very expensive and put tremendous financial strain on the government. Regardless, during Louis’ reign France became the most powerful kingdom in Europe.
Versailles	An elaborate palace complex built by Louis XIV. An extravagant court life was created by Louis for the purpose of taming the French nobility and keeping them under his control.