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...
[ View Full Essay]