Absolutism, Louis XIV, and Versailles Research Paper

The king of France was more than just a simple leader, as he claimed that he was entitled to the country's throne through divine right. Louis XIV was able to make laws, to increase or decrease taxes, to administrate the state and justice, and to determine whether or not France would express interest in allying itself with other countries. All influential individuals in France were practically forced to check with Louis before they could sign anything. The French king used the court as Versailles with the purpose of keeping important people in the state close to him and in order to watch their every move. This made it difficult and almost impossible for them to plot against his and influenced peasants in expressing more dedication to the king than to the masters of the estates that they lived on.

Louis's connection with the court at Versailles was particularly important for his rapid ascendance and it made it possible for him to significantly weaken the power of the aristocracy. As a consequence of concentrating all of their resources on pleasing their king, nobleman spent most of their fortunes and deteriorated the relationship that they had with their servants. Their struggle to act in accordance with Louis's laws practically ruined their lives and made them acknowledge the power of the monarchy. Although it is difficult to determine whether or not Louis actually intended to perform a political attack on aristocracy during his reign, it is only safe to conclude that his thinking was particularly effective in securing his position in the state and in discouraging potential plots.By creating a strong connection between his own personae and the elites in the country Louis XIV managed to control things in the whole country. Although they were a powerful body, peasants were unable to get involved in this respective relationship because they were controlled by the aristocracy. One can practically claim that the aristocracy played a major role in destroying its authority in the country through being an active part of court life at the Versailles.

Works cited:

Breck Perkins, James, France under the Regency With a Review of the Administration of Louis XIV (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1920)

Hassall, Arthur, Louis XIV and the Zenith of the French Monarchy (New York G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1895)

"Louis XIV," Retrieved February 29, 2012, from the Chateau de Versailles Website: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/history/court-people/louis-xiv-time/louis-xiv-

"LOUIS XIV and the VERSAILLES PALACE," Retrieved February 29, 2012, from the GPS Faculty Pages Website: http://staff.gps.edu/mines/louis_xiv_and_the_versailles_pal.htm

"LOUIS XIV: PRIMARY SOURCE MATERIALS," Retrieved February 29, 2012, from the Peninsula School District Website: http://www.peninsula.wednet.edu/classroom/robisonp/louisXIV%20primaryart.htm.....