Louis XIV of France (1638-Louis XIV of France (1638-1715)1715)

BackgroundBackground

Assumed the throne around age 5 Assumed the throne around age 5 (when Louis XIII died)(when Louis XIII died)

Would end up being king of France Would end up being king of France for 72 Yearsfor 72 Years

Known as the Sun KingKnown as the Sun King

The sun is associated with Apollo, god of The sun is associated with Apollo, god of peace and arts. Also brings life to peace and arts. Also brings life to everything.everything.

AchievementsAchievements

Louis made himself his own Chief Louis made himself his own Chief Minister in 1661 when Cardinal Minister in 1661 when Cardinal Mazarin diedMazarin died

Prime example of absolute monarchPrime example of absolute monarch He did select some ministers, such as He did select some ministers, such as

Jean Baptiste Colbert Jean Baptiste Colbert Spent enormous amounts of money Spent enormous amounts of money

on buildingson buildings

Louix XIV built a portion of the Louvre Louix XIV built a portion of the Louvre (French fortress and national art (French fortress and national art museum)museum)

In Versailles, Louis XIII’s hunting In Versailles, Louis XIII’s hunting lodge was turned into a grand palacelodge was turned into a grand palace

Louis XIV moved to Versailles Louis XIV moved to Versailles permanently in 1682permanently in 1682

Would take about 25 years to buildWould take about 25 years to build Monarchs all over France try to Monarchs all over France try to

imitate Versaillesimitate Versailles

Aerial view of VersaillesAerial view of Versailles

VersaillesVersailles

Versailles Gardens Versailles Gardens

The Hall of Mirrors is 73 meters long, The Hall of Mirrors is 73 meters long, 10.5 meters wide and 12.3 meters 10.5 meters wide and 12.3 meters highhigh

Louis XIV’s bedroom windowsLouis XIV’s bedroom windows

The King’s bedThe King’s bed

Versailles ChapelVersailles Chapel

Why Build Versailles?Why Build Versailles?

Away from diseased cities (10 miles Away from diseased cities (10 miles from Paris)from Paris)

Allowed Louis XIV to keep friends and Allowed Louis XIV to keep friends and enemies nearbyenemies nearby

Away from rebellious massesAway from rebellious masses

Later ActivitiesLater Activities

Revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685Revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685 The Edict of Nantes (1598) gave The Edict of Nantes (1598) gave

some religious freedom to French some religious freedom to French Protestants (Huguenots) Protestants (Huguenots)

Fought the War of Spanish Fought the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714)Succession (1701-1714)

His grandson, Philip V, inherited the throne His grandson, Philip V, inherited the throne of Spainof Spain

Louis XIV was at war for 40 years of Louis XIV was at war for 40 years of his 72 year-reignhis 72 year-reign

This will result in very little territory This will result in very little territory and will almost bankrupt the countryand will almost bankrupt the country

This will be huge problems, This will be huge problems, especially in especially in 17891789

Group WorkGroup Work

In assigned groups, your job is to do In assigned groups, your job is to do the following:the following:

Create an extremely extravagant modern-Create an extremely extravagant modern-day palaceday palace

Your palace must have at least 5 features Your palace must have at least 5 features (gardens, pools, statues, etc.)(gardens, pools, statues, etc.)

Your palace must have colorYour palace must have color Your palace must have a nameYour palace must have a name Be creative and have fun with it!Be creative and have fun with it!