HIS103Y1 Lecture : Topic 2 - Louis XIV (1648-1688) Topic 2 - Louis XIV (1648-1688)
Document Summary
France, after the thirty years war, emerged as the greatest nation as well as the greatest threat in the western. Europe: population (20 million), political claims (louis xiv"s absolute monarchy, good, solid, efficient democracy, huge, efficient and professional army which is unmatchable at that time, skilled diplomatic relations (mazarin) But one consensus was reached: the ultimate decision belonged to louis himself and his absolute power; Gloire played a huge role in louis" decision making. Louis xiv"s foreign policy is hard to generalize because during louis xiv"s long reign of 55 years, he himself is changed from a 22-year-old hot-blooded young man into a cautious old man. French foreign policy shifted because his characters shifted during his life. Five borders: south borders with spain (pyrenees) last priority because: spain is in decline; marriage with maria. The dynastic union and the law of devolution: Louis xiv married the spanish infanta maria theresa.
