Thursday – May 24, 2012
Mr. Lombardi
Aim: How did Louis XIV justify and
maintain his absolute rule in France?
Do Now:
Answer the following in your notebook:
How do you think an absolute monarch can
justify his/her absolute rule of a country?
• List and describe as many different
ways/reasons as possible.
MrLombardi22@aol.com
H.W. #20
Handout: History Makers: Louis XIV
– Read the handout.
– Answer the question(s).
– Due: Friday, May 25
European Absolutism and
the Reign of Louis XIII in France
• Absolutism begins to trend in Europe.
• Cardinal Richelieu strengthens the monarchy
in France by:
1. calling for religious toleration between Catholics
and Protestants (Huguenots)
2. limiting the power of the nobility
The Reign of Louis XIV in France
Louis XIV was the longest king of France in
European history. He was a “divine right” king. This
meant that God had selected him to rule France.
Disobeying the king was the same as disobeying
God, according to Louis XIV.
• Compare the term “divine right” to another
vocabulary term to a previous unit.
Critical Thinking Questions:
1. Why might nobles tolerate Louis XIV’s high
expectations?
2. How might different classes of French people
have reacted to the opulence of Versailles?
3. Why might Britain be considered the big
winner during the War of Spanish Succession?
Summary
1. How did Louis XIV justify and
maintain his absolute rule in France?
2. How did the policies of Colbert and
Louis XIV affect the French economy?
Explain both positive and negative
effects.
 Why do you think Louis XIV was
nicknamed Sun King?
Regents Prep - Absolutism
Historical Context:
Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles was proof of his
absolute power. Only a ruler with total control
over his country’s economy could afford such a
lavish palace. It cost an estimated $2.5 billion in
2003 dollars. Louis XIV was also able to force
36,000 laborers and 6,000 horses to work on the
project.
1. Why do you think Louis XIV believed he needed
such a large and luxurious palace? Explain what
practical and symbolic purposes Versailles might
have served.
2. Consider the amount of money and effort that
went into the construction of this extravagant
palace. What does this reveal about the way 17th
century French society viewed its king?
3. Consider your knowledge of absolutism. How
might the different features of Versailles have
reflected and strengthened the power of Louis
XIV? Support your answer using evidence from
the images.