Why did Louis XIV consider
himself to be the “Sun King”?
Time Line France
•
•
•
•
1562- Religious War
1598- Edict of Nantes
1643 – Louis XIV becomes king at age 5
1700-1715- war of the Spanish Succession
King’s Power Increase
Cardinal Richelieu- 1622-1642 Kings minister for
Louis XIII
• weakened the power of nobles
• Appointed middle class for government office
• Strengthen the power of king
Cardinal Mazarin -1642• Expanded power of king
• Anti Habsburg policy against Spain
Louis XIV
•
•
•
•
•
Kept nobles out of gov’t
Moved his home to Versailles
All gov’t officials had to answer to him
Costly wars
Improved economy with help from Jean
Baptiste Colbert
Built French industry, establish colonies