ipl-logo

How Did King Louis Xiv Influence The Government

1012 Words5 Pages

King Louis XIV's Absolute Reign
During his reign from 1643 to 1715, King Louis XIV of France implemented various strategies to maintain control and strengthen his power. Known as the Sun King, Louis XIV sought to establish an absolute monarchy to ensure his authority and dominance over the country. The theme of King Louis XIV's reign is control. This essay will explore the methods of control and power the king employed, focusing on political, social, and religious aspects.
By being fully informed of the affairs of his kingdom, acknowledging the importance of spectacle and public display, and issuing the Edict of Fontainebleau, Louis XIV maintained authority over his kingdom and solidified his position as one of the most powerful monarchs
in …show more content…

Louis XIV showcased this advice when he centralized political power and weakened the influence of the nobility and regional parliaments. King Louis XIV believed in being fully informed about the kingdom's affairs.
Jean Colbert's detailed instructions for the commissioners list several items for these agents to investigate and ensure everything was in order. These commissioners were loyal to the king and ensured they carried out his orders efficiently. If things were not as they should be, they
Minatre 1
Palace of Versailles, which symbolizes Louis XIV's wealth and power. By constructing such a grand palace, Louis XIV aimed to impress foreign dignitaries and his subjects, reinforcing his authority and presenting an image of grandeur. The king imposed strict social etiquette and norms to regulate behavior. The court at Versailles became the center of French society.
Obedience to its rules and customs was essential for social advancement. By establishing a strict code of conduct, Louis XIV ensured that the nobility remained focused on maintaining their social status and loyalty to the crown. Those who deviated from those norms risked losing favor and facing social …show more content…

It was essential for a king to give the impression that he was governing his subjects instead of being governed by them. This idea led King Louis XIV to resort to propaganda to maintain a positive image and control public opinion.
In addition to political control, Louis XIV implemented various plans to regulate and control society. He acknowledged the importance of publicly displaying Absolutism as a grand spectacle. He promoted a culture of extravagance and splendor. By supporting artists, musicians, and writers, Louis XIV cultivated an environment of creativity and indulgence that distracted the nobility from political matters. In his memoir, the king recognized that he won over the nobles and the common folk with his rich displays of power. Great festivals such as the "carousel" mentioned in his text gave the illusion that the country was flourishing.
It made a good impression, was a fun diversion that motivated the king to complete his royal duties, and portrayed him as a powerful and benevolent ruler. Another notable example is the
Minatre 2 and solidify his authority. Banishing Protestantism and ordaining Catholicism as the official religion earned him the Catholic Church's support. If anyone were to question his rule,

Open Document