French Absolutism
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Transcript of French Absolutism
Source of Pictures and Source of Pictures and Template: Ms. Pojer, New YorkTemplate: Ms. Pojer, New York
Source of Pictures and Source of Pictures and Template: Ms. Pojer, New YorkTemplate: Ms. Pojer, New York
Sovereignty Defined
What does “sovereignty” mean? – supreme authority within a territory – e.g., Some argue that the Greek government is no
longer sovereign because the European Union’s requirements that it adopt difficult measures to lower its debt.
How is this achieved?– Monopoly over the instruments of justice and the
use of force within clearly defined territories.
Absolutist Defined
What does “absolutist” mean?– Sovereignty is embodied in the person of the ruler.
• E.g., Louis XIV’s “I am the state.”
– Often claimed to rule by divine right, but were constrained by some laws.
• “Though kings were a race apart, they could not do as they pleased; they had to obey God’s laws and rule for the good of the people.”
• Competing bodies (Estates General, Parlement of Paris).
What distinguishes “new” monarchs from “absolute” monarchs?
15th C “New” Monarchs Created more efficient bureaucracies that enabled
the “New Monarchs” to begin centralizing control of their realms
Use of mercenary armies and creation of standing armies
Gunpowder, muskets and cannon increased the vulnerability of noble armies and their knights.
Reduced power of nobles through taxation and confiscation of land from uncooperative nobles.
Many nobles pledged support of king in return for titles and offices and served in the royal court or as royal officials. But, also increased the political influence of the bourgeoisie (at
the expense of the nobility) in exchange for
revenue. Reduced political power of the clergy Increased public (national) debt by taking out loans
from merchant-bankers.
17th C “Absolute” Monarchs Derived from traditional assumption of power (e.g.
heirs to the throne), belief in “divine right of kings”), and not subordinate to national assemblies.
Maintained large standing armies. Monarchs no longer relied on mercenary or noble armies.
Employed secret police to weaken political opponents, but left alone those who didn’t openly oppose state.
In West, nobility was effectively brought under control, but could still at times hinder absolute monarchs from completely having their way.
Bureaucracies composed of career officials appointed by and solely accountable to king. Often rising members of the bourgeoisie or new nobility (“nobility of the robe” who purchased their titles from the monarchy).
Catholic monarchs gained control of the Roman Catholic Church in their countries.
Critical Thinking . . .
Is Henry VIII a “new” monarch or an “absolute” monarch? Justify your answer.
Is Elizabeth a “new” monarch or an “absolute” monarch? Justify your answer.
Is Philip II a “new” monarch” or an “absolute” monarch? Justify your answer.
Is Henry IV a “new” monarch or an “absolute” monarch?
Absolutist Techniques
1. Control competing rivals, institutions and interest groups in their territories.
2. Regulate religious groups.
3. Abolish feudal and early modern liberties.
4. Secure cooperation of old rival: nobility.
5. Create new state bureaucracy to serve king. Bureaucrats paid a salary and not supposed to use position for private gain.
6. This bureaucracy regulated the economic life of country in the king’s interest by raising taxes and/or inventing new sources of revenue.
7. Maintained permanent standing armies.
8. Glorification of the state.
9. Use of war and an expansionist foreign policy to divert from domestic problems.
“Paris is worth a Mass”“A Chicken in Every Pot”
Henry IV Sully
No war, lower taxes on peasants, lease tax collection to financiers, subsidize trading company, and highway system.
“Where the interests of the state are concerned, God absolves actions, which if privately committed, would be a crime.”
Louis XIII
Cardinal Richelieu
Richelieu’s goal: total subordination of all groups to French monarchy Direct action reducing noble power, best illustrated by his demolition of
feudal castles and beheading of Montmorency for involvement in revolt.
Recruited a new class – intendants – loyal only to king, from the “judicial nobility” to help govern districts through army recruitment, tax collection, legal enforcement, and “big brother” to local nobility.
Betrayed Edict of Nantes, which gave Protestants religious, political and military independence, because it constituted “a state within a state,” i.e., politically disobedient. Sign of sovereignty = demolition of walled fortifications.
Brought France into the Thirty Years’ War. Standardization of the French language. Achilles’ Heel: Never obtained the ability to tax at will, meaning never will
have enough monies.
Young Louis XIVYoung Louis XIV
L’ etat c’est moi!
L’ etat c’est moi!
ByHyacinthe
Rigaud
ByHyacinthe
Rigaud
Louis XIV’s CarriageLouis XIV’s Carriage
The Bourbon Family Crest
The Bourbon Family Crest
L’ ouis XIV as Apollo
L’ ouis XIV as Apollo
L’ ouis XIV as Apollo
L’ ouis XIV as Apollo
by Jean Nocret, by Jean Nocret, 16701670
The Sun SymbolThe Sun Symbol
The “Fronde” and Versailles
Argument: Louis XIV built Versailles due to the chaotic period of the “Fronde.” What evidence (supporting details) from the text supports this argument?
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Louis XIV
Collaborated with nobles in order to increase prestige, while also using court ceremony, entertainment, informers to render them harmless.
Versailles: “shock and awe” – tool of state policy as well as “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
French language and culture become the standard of “civilization.”
Revoked Edict of Nantes once and for all. Allowed his finance minister Colbert to subsidize
domestic (native) industries to compete with foreign goods, institute tariffs on vessels and on foreign goods, and encourage migration of foreign artists to France = MERCANTILISM.
War! (33 of 54 years as king). Took on Low Countries in a trade war and all of Europe in the War of Spanish Succession, which had he won would have resulted in France controlling Spanish throne. Added benefit of checking France’s maritime expansion.
Louis XIII’s Old Chateau
Louis XIII’s Old Chateau
Versailles TodayVersailles Today
Palais de VersaillesPalais de Versailles
Palais de VersaillesPalais de Versailles
Versailles Palace,Park Side
Versailles Palace,Park Side
Garden View of Versailles
Garden View of Versailles
Chateau de Versailles
Chateau de Versailles
Chateau de Versailles
Chateau de Versailles
André Le
Nôtre, Royal
Gardener
André Le
Nôtre, Royal
Gardener
Versailles’ Northern Gardens
Versailles’ Northern Gardens
Gardens at Versailles
Gardens at Versailles
Chateau de Versailles Gardens
Chateau de Versailles Gardens
The OrangeryThe Orangery
Grounds at Versailles
Grounds at Versailles
The Lightening of the Belvedere
by Claude Chatelet, 1781
The Lightening of the Belvedere
by Claude Chatelet, 1781
Fountains, Fountains, and More Fountains!Fountains, Fountains, and More Fountains!
And More Fountains!
And More Fountains!
And More Fountains!And More Fountains!
And Even More Fountains!!!
And Even More Fountains!!!
Temple of LoveTemple of Love
Hall of
Mirrors
Hall of
Mirrors
The Queen’s
Bed
The Queen’s
Bed
The King’s Bed
The King’s Bed
Louis XIV’s Chapel
Louis XIV’s Chapel
Louis XIV’s Chapel Altarpiece
Louis XIV’s Chapel Altarpiece
Organ in Louis XIV’s Chapel
Organ in Louis XIV’s Chapel
Louis XIV’s Opera Stage
Louis XIV’s Opera Stage
Cabinet with Views
of Versailles, 19c
Cabinet with Views
of Versailles, 19c
Louis XIV FurnitureLouis XIV Furniture
The Gallery of Battles
The Gallery of Battles
Versailles StatisticsVersailles Statisticsf 2,000 acres of groundsf 12 miles of roadsf 27 miles of trellisesf 200,000 treesf 210,000 flowers planted every yearf 80 miles of rows of treesf 55 acres surface area of the Grand Canalf 12 miles of enclosing wallsf 50 fountains and 620 fountain nozzlesf 21 miles of water conduitsf 3,600 cubic meters per hour: water consumedf 26 acres of rooff 51,210 square meters of floorsf 2,153 windowsf 700 roomsf 67 staircasesf 6,000 paintingsf 1,500 drawings and 15,000 engravingsf 2,100 sculptures f 5,000 items of furniture and objects d'artf 150 varieties of apple and peach trees in the Vegetable
Garden