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France- the most powerful absolute state in Europe - Coggle Diagram
France- the most powerful absolute state in Europe
The absolute state was established in the 1500s, but it only started seeing results in early 16th century, with the peak of its power being the reign of Louis XIV(1643-1715)
Notable people
Cardinal Richelieu- regent to Louis XIII
Replaced nobles' position in the administration with educated professionals
Battled separation in the state- weakened the Huguenots through the siege of Larochelle
Increased royal power over provincial nobles through the use of intendants who would gather information and enforce royal edicts
Louis XIV
Used the ingenious strategy of keeping his advisors and nobles happy with all types of balls and other lavish experiences, thus keeping them happy whilst he reduced their power and replaced them in all important positions
Believed in the humanistic ideals, so he presented himself as human, whilst at the same time portraying himself as a type of deity and notably as the portrayed himself as the sun or a symbol of it
Crushed the revolts
Further lowered the power of Protestants
Increased the military's size 4 times
Obstacles
Conflicts
La Fronde (1648-1653)- a rebellion, was crushed
Wars of expansion- during the reign of Louis XIV(1667-1714)
Wars of Spanish succession(1701-1714)- France lost, accepted The Treaty of Utrecht, had to give up on the Spanish Throne and some territories
People
Huguenots- were a "state within the state", had their stronghold sieged by Cardinal Richelieu
Provincial nobles- weren't happy with the new changes, leading them to lose power, also revolted
Peasants- wanted lower taxes, revolted
Achievements
New systems
Cardinal Richelieu used intendands to gather information and ensured that royal edicts are enforced
He also replaced nobles with educated professionals in the administration
Louis XIV took a step further to the prosecution Protestants
The nobility had to live near him
Merchantilism- economic system based on increasing the export, but not the import of goods, thus enriching the state with gold and silver without raising taxes. Put up special regulations, encouraged foreign immigration, founded the Company of the East Indies
The nobility had to live in Versailles for some time each year, so that Louis XIV could keep a close eye on them
New laws
Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes- outlawed Protestantism