Louis XIV Essay -- France French King Louis XIV Essays

Louis XIV After being ruled by a prime minister for so long, France needed some changes. That is exactly what Louis the XIV would bring to France. In an age of separation, Louis wanted to start a unification process. He started this by giving himself sole power and also only having one religion for the country. The king is always the center of attention good or bad. Louis was prepared to take the good with the bad, and handled it well. He emphasized the king as the center of attention. While some see him as egotistical and greedy, Louis was one king who knew how to make improvements. At four years and eight months, Louis XIV became King. His mother, Anne of Austria, ruled until he could take the throne, but it wasn’t until Louis came to power that France began making improvements. Louis made some powerful moves during his reign; one of them was to nullify the Edict of Nantes. He did this to re-establish Catholicism in France (Europe). While there was opposition, the decision went over well because most of France was catholic at the time. Louis also ruled as an absolute monarch (no prime minister), which has not been done for a while. This was a big step because he was taking all of the power and giving it to himself. Also under King Louis’ rule industry and commerce flourished. This came with the help of his counselors. It was at this time that art and literature began to flourish as well. During this period literature and art were made to flatter the King, which is another reason Louis encouraged them. Overall, art, literatur e, war and statesmanship ranked highest when Louis was in power. It can be argued that Louis was not good for France because of his spending... ...o be treated as such. This was a good analogy for the time. Kings are the center of the kingdom and, by making the court respect that Louis made them realize that the king needs respect. It is a good idea because then the king does get the respect that he deserves. Louis the XIV had a commanding presence and used it wisely. In a time of great separation Louis began to try unifying France. While he did have a few faults, his positive change helped France more than any other king could have at that time. Those who feel his few faults are enough to call him a bad king are dwelling on such minor issues and should look at his overall influence on the country. Under his rule, France ranked highest among art, literature, war and statesmanship. Louis XIV had plenty of skill, which is why he was able to bring such great qualities all at once to France.