Aim: Why did Louis XIV’s wars of dynastic and state interests provoke other European powers to oppose him?

Do Now: Work with your partner to analyze this painting of Louis XIV:1) How does the painting represent Louis XIV’s absolute power?Focus on the following:• Power and legitimacy• Size and stature• Clothing• Surroundings

Louis XIV’s early wars reflected state interests and his desire to push France’s border to the Rhine river, which would give France a natural border from Europe.

The War of Spanish Succession was fought over the Spanish crown following the death of Spanish King Charles II of House Habsburg. Charles left the throne to Louis XIV’s grandson and European powers feared a combined Spanish and French throne.

France also lost a great deal of control in the Western Hemisphere. The Hudson Bay Territory along with Newfoundland and Acadia were ceded to Great Britain. Spain lost control of the

Asiento to Britain. This marks the start of the British Empire as a major world power.

Louis XIV’s wars yielded little to no results. His goals of expanding France to the Rhine River and absorbing the Spanish Netherlands were never achieved.