Louis Xiv the Sun King Essay Example

his wife Anne in a vulnerable position.7 His last will named Anne as the Regent but required approval from a four-person council for all her decisions.8 This seriously weakened the authority of the monarchy that Prime Minister Richelieu had carefully built during Louis XIII's reign.9 Both Queen Regent Anne and her council recognized the necessity to invalidate this will. Still, their decision depended on Parlement's approval who firmly believed that "royal power should remain singular and unfragmented."10 This situation provided Parlement with a long-awaited chance to showcase their power and influence.

In a bid to establish some regulations, the nobility proceeded with little hindrance from Regent Anne, whose key military official was engaged in warfare.11 Cardinal Mazarin, who was destined to become the Prime Minister later on, urged her to maintain silence. However, she ignored his advice and impulsively imprisoned three vociferous members of Parlement.12 This triggered a rebellion that lasted for several years, known as the fronde -(a French term for slingshot), where the aristocrats and the middle class revolted against the rule.13 This forced Regent Anne and young Louis, along with her confidant Cardinal Mazarin, to flee repeatedly for their safety.14 The monarch was undoubtedly humiliated by this experience, and young Louis was deeply affected by the economic hardships they faced due to the lack of taxed revenue and royal income.15 They encountered numerous interactions and alliances that were continually forged and broken.

The fronde was marked by numerous conflicts. A key factor contributing to the preservation of the monarchy was the division among the nobility.16 Ultimately, in 1653 as Louis XIV turned 15, the fronde came to an end due

to the absence of a robust, united adversary, along with the public's exhaustion from the ongoing social instability and the adverse effects on their lives and property.

17. At just 15 years old, Louis XIV took the throne in June of 1654 and swiftly committed himself to his royal responsibilities which included activities such as horse riding, hunting, dancing, and mingling with women.18 There was a widespread assumption that he would forever require a prime minister due to underestimating his own capabilities.19 Mazarin served as Prime Minister under Louis XIV's reign; having been tutored by Richelieu20 and retained by Louis XIV himself, he willingly undertook the role of bringing stability back to France. Although being from Sicily caused some suspicion among the French people on account of his foreign roots21 , Mazarin aimed to curtail the privileges of nobility and bourgeoisie thereby bolstering the monarchy's power while still remaining staunchly loyal towards Louis XIV.22 His main objective rested on economic enhancement; fully aware that a prosperous economy benefits all residents of France - including him.Mazarin managed to amass over 65 million (present day equivalent value) from public funds upon becoming a Duke23 . He remained undeterred and cordial even when confronted with intricate predicaments and constantly put forth feasible solutions.There have been rumors about him having an illicit relationship with Anne - mother of Louis.

Mazarin was the one who oversaw Louis' education despite the numerous interruptions from financial troubles and wars. Undeniably, the quality of education was not always adequate, however, Mazarin succeeded in instilling in Louis XIV supreme confidence in his leadership abilities. According to Mazarin's principle, a king should understand

the importance of personal governance, be wary of notable nobles, maintain sound financial management and uphold justice. As Mazarin laid on his deathbed, he advised Louis to never appoint a prime minister but to take control of the governance himself, asserting that he would achieve more in a day than an efficient prime minister could accomplish in six months. At the age of 23, Louis resolved to be a diligent monarch with a clear plan based on these teachings. He aspired for France to be the leading country globally and thought that to realize this his rule had to be absolute. The factionalism and chaos of the fronde deeply impacted him and he pledged never to allow such an uprising to occur again.

More than half a century of warfare had depleted both the financial reserves and morale of France.29 Louis, within a short period of assuming the throne, began overseeing the accounting books of France, which were formerly managed by Nicholas Fouquet who served as the Surintendant. There were substantial irregularities in fund allocations to the extent of it being considered theft.30 However, Louis still required Fouquet's assistance for some time and continued to heed his counsel. Though aware of the King's suspicions regarding his fraudulent activities, Fouquet believed that the young ruler would soon lose interest in throne matters.31 Fouquet decided to throw a party for the King at his lavish, sprawling residence, Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Fouquet believed his lavish home and expensive decor would showcase not just his sense of taste, but also his financial acumen, thereby instilling the king with further faith in him as the Finance Minister.32 An impressive crowd

of over 6,000 guests turn up at the gather.33 No such grandiosity had ever been witnessed by Louis XIV before, with the solid gold dinnerware used for the event being a notable source of chagrin. He was forced to melt down his own dinner service to offset the expense of the three-decade long war.34 Relationship took a turn when Louis order the arrest and eventual imprisonment of Fouquet after the event.

Louis XIV saw a swift ascent to great fame within just six months, propelled by several momentous events including his coronation as King, Fourquet's imprisonment, and him assuming the role of overseer of all French fiscal matters.36 In addition, he held absolute authority over court proceedings and every domestic and foreign policy regulation. The zenith of these exceptional accomplishments was signified by the birth of his son on November 1, 1661.

37. Louis employed individuals from the diligent middle classes to work as his counselors.38 Jean Baptiste Colbert was among the men Louis recruited to implement modifications in the government. For twice a decade and a little over, this offspring of a cloth merchant from Reims was in charge of managing France's finances with the pursuit of transforming her into a center of manufacturing.39 Louis held Colbert in extremely high regard, perceiving him as "industrious, smart and upright."40 Mazarin likewise held a high opinion of Colbert, expressing to the King at his deathbed: "Your Majesty, I am indebted to you but bestow Colbert upon you in hopes of repaying a part of my debt."41 Although Colbert was fundamentally opposed to warfare and luxury, the King was extravagantly inclined hence forcing Colbert to

devise a way to finance it.42 The enlargement of Versailles was prolonged over numerous years.

43 Colbert was the individual responsible for introducing to France, manufacturing industries that produced luxury items such as exquisite furniture, opulent chandeliers, grand mirrors, intricate tapestries, plush carpets, sophisticated china and gleaming cutlery. These goods significantly contributed to Versailles' magnificence; their initial production originated in foreign nations.44 This not only made it more economical for France to create these high-end products domestically for Versailles but also facilitated their exportation overseas.45 Interestingly enough, the king's desire for luxury set the stage for France to gain global recognition as a premier manufacturer of luxurious commodities.46 Nonetheless, raising funds proved challenging and resulted in state intervention leading to an increase in profitability of these industries.47 Furthermore, Colbert respected how effectively the Dutch distributed their merchandise across different markets which led him being appointed as Head of Navy too.48 His involvement led to shipbuilding programs, implementation of naval drafts and equipping ports with cannons thus making French navy unrivalled globally until 1692.49 It wasn't just his comprehensive scrutiny over every facet associated with the establishment and financing of Versailles that highlighted Colbert’s extraordinary achievements - he also:

"He constructed ships and established firms, launching an extensive colonial strategy influenced by Richelieu's prior attempts. His objective was to discover new markets and reignite French enthusiasm in innovative products. He broadened New Canada to the Mississippi by backing Lasalle in Louisiana; he incorporated French tropical territories in Guiana into this expansion. He also affirmed the Kings' control on the African coast, spanning from the Bay of Arguin to Sierra Leone's beaches. Furthermore, he set

foot in Madagascar and set up the initial trading posts in India."50

France boasted a robust economy and Colbert was of the conviction that each individual in the nation should engage in fruitful employment. To this end, he labored to provide them with gainful activities.51 The exact time when Louis XIV first conceived the idea of establishing Versailles as the center of French governance is unclear. Had he communicated his vision to anyone, they would have likely considered him insane—particularly because his later revelation of this aspiration was met with vehement opposition from his advisors, who strongly advised against investing either money or time into enlarging his father's hunting lodge.

52 However, by 1661, he had already started hosting celebratory events outdoors as the 20-room lodge could not accommodate everyone.53 It has been speculated that King Louis XIV wanted to establish a luxurious rural lifestyle due to several reasons: 1) his love for outdoor activities made him favor countryside over Paris,54 2) his suspicions towards the nobility led him to prefer having them isolated from Paris and under his daily supervision,55 3) the inconsistent behavior displayed towards him and his mother during the Fronde by Parisians was never forgotten by him.56 Despite Colbert suggesting expansion at the Louvre (which was eventually done)57 and his architects advising him to demolish the original Versailles (to which Louis responded that he would reconstruct it from scratch if necessary)58, the King proceeded with his plan to enlarge Versailles, situated 16 miles away from Paris.

59 Voltaire observed that the exceptional composite design that made France renowned and coveted commenced during the reign of the Sun

King. 60 Louis XIV recognized the power of impressive architecture and decoration after his visit to Vaux-Le-Vicomte, leading to Fouquet's imprisonment and the recruitment of his architect, builder, landscape artist, and decorator.61 Initially, he focused on extending the gardens at Versailles where the first of over 1400 fountains was constructed.62 He transported all of the orange trees from Fouquet’s home to Versailles.63 More than 1000 trees were moved, with only eight of the original trees surviving today. 64 Keeping the fountains running continuously presented a significant challenge, leading to engineers devoting time to strategizing on slowing down or diverting rivers.65 Many laborers lost their lives in this massive project. Court member Madame de Sevigne noted the extraordinary death toll among the workers.66

Three main periods of construction occurred at Versailles, namely 1664-68, 1669-72, and 1674-82.67 In 1682, the palace transitioned into a government center and the site of the royal court.68 Coupled with the chapel completed in 1708 and modification works on some apartments that continued until 1701, the significance of Versailles was established.69 Today it is still regarded as one of the most extravagant residences ever built. Thanks to well-preserved records and receipts, an exhaustive expenditure analysis for Versailles can be undertaken even at a granular level like each door knob's cost.70 The overall price corresponds to approximately 112 million in contemporary currency—an impressive sum—however spread over thirty years made it feasible within France's financial plan.71 During its highest phase of construction activity, only about 5% of France's total budget was spent on it.72 However, its priceless image perceived by world leaders justified every single cent spent.

For seven decades, Louis XIV

held power over France. His reign was not always characterized by greatness and was occasionally marred by war, mortality, and despair. However, these challenges did not notably degrade France's standing in the international arena. After the 1679 Treaty of Nijmegen was signed, French became the official language for diplomacy for more than two hundred and fifty years. The rule of Louis XIV is largely regarded as effective due to its significant impact on various areas including art, lifestyle, administration, and education. Today one can still see the Sun King's influence when walking through the magnificent landscape of Versailles.