The Sun King, Louis XIV

Also known as the Sun King, Louis XIV ruled FranceMazarin died in 1661, Louis took personal control of
in a time of great turmoil and conflict. Born in 1638,the monarchy and astounded the court by becoming
Louis was the son of Louis XIII and his Habsburghis own chief minister. Louis believed in the divine
wife, Anne of Austria. Louis succeeded his father toright of kings, broke with tradition and established an
the throne at age four, but the country was ruled byabsolute monarchy, ruling with innovation and
his mother as regent until Louis could actually takeestablishing many new laws and policies. Reforms
over as king. Because of her negligence, Louis waswere made to the judicial structure, law
mostly raised by servants and experienced aenforcement, taxes, tariffs, fiscal policies, commerce,
tumultuous and difficult childhood. The royal familytrade, imports, manufacturing, military administration
was more than once driven out of Paris and livedand legal codes.
imprisoned and in fear and poverty. TheseLouis was a patron of the arts and established
experiences of cold, hunger and humiliation wouldacademies for painting, sculpture, architecture,
shape Louis' reign when he ascended the throne.science, philosophy and music. Artisans were invited
In 1660, at age 22, Louis married the daughter ofto France from all over Europe. In Paris, the Louvre
King Philip IV of Spain. His marriage to Marie-Theresemuseum of art was built at great expense. In
was purely political, in order that the peace treaty ofVersailles, Louis transformed his hunting property into
the Thirty Years War be sealed. Louis was preparingthe remarkable palace, park and gardens that remain
the political foundation for his personal rule of Francea tourist attraction today. Court etiquette was
and was not known for his devotion to his wife. Heestablished and culture grew and flourished.
would go on to establish the longest reign as aFive wars were fought during the reign of King Louis
monarch in European history, ruling France from 1643XIV. France grew in size as territories were
to 1715.conquered on the borders of the Netherlands, Spain,
Tradition had held that kings often allowed theirGermany, Italy and Austria. Although France was
ministers to actually rule their countries. Cardinaloften engaged in battles during his rule, Louis
Mazarin had been the primary minister under Louis'managed to establish stability in a time of great
father and continued to administrate the countryconflict and France was the leading power in Europe
while Louis' mother was regent. However, whenduring his time.