Absolute Monarchy and Louis XIV

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An absolute monarchy is a system in which a king or queen holds nearly complete power, often justified by divine right, the belief that rulers are chosen by God. Louis XIV of France, who became king at four and ruled personally from 1661 to 1715, is the best example, supposedly saying I am the state and called the Sun King. He ruled for 72 years.

To control the nobles who had rebelled during the Fronde, he built the huge palace of Versailles and required nobles to live there, attending ceremonies and competing for favours instead of plotting. His finance minister Colbert promoted mercantilism, building industries and trade, and intendants carried out royal orders in the provinces. Louis revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685, forcing Protestant Huguenots to leave or convert.

Constant wars, such as the War of the Spanish Succession, expanded France but drained money, leaving heavy debts and taxes that burdened peasants and contributed to later unrest. France became the leading culture of Europe, with its language and fashions copied, and rulers such as Peter the Great of Russia also built absolute power. Misconception: absolute did not mean unlimited in practice; kings still needed nobles, taxes and armies. Contrast this with England, where Parliament limited the monarchy.