Louis XIV

King of France from 1643 to 1715, Louis XIV strengthened royal authority, made Versailles the center of court life, and became known as the Sun King.

Absolute monarchy: A system of government in which a monarch claims supreme authority over the state. Louis XIV made royal sovereignty the organizing principle of French government.
Anne of Austria: Queen of France and regent during Louis XIV’s minority, governing alongside Cardinal Mazarin. She ruled in his name during the formative years before his personal government.
Maria Theresa of Spain: Spanish infanta who married Louis XIV in 1660 and became queen of France. Her marriage linked the French and Spanish crowns and later underpinned dynastic claims.
War of Devolution: A 1667–1668 war in which France invaded the Spanish Netherlands over claims made for Louis XIV’s wife. It began the king’s sustained effort to expand French territory.
Treaty of Utrecht: A series of 1713 peace agreements that ended major parts of the War of the Spanish Succession. It limited French and Bourbon power after the final major war of Louis XIV’s reign.
Palace of Versailles: A royal palace near Paris that became the principal residence and court of Louis XIV. Its court brought nobles into the king’s orbit and displayed royal power.
Cardinal Mazarin: Italian-born French cardinal and chief minister who governed during Louis XIV’s youth. He tutored the young king in statecraft and defended royal authority.
Madame de Maintenon: French noblewoman who became Louis XIV’s companion and, probably in a private ceremony, his wife. Her influence at court grew during the king’s later years.
Franco-Dutch War: A war from 1672 to 1678 in which France fought the Dutch Republic and its allies. It demonstrates the scale of military ambition and coalition-building against France.
Louis XV: King of France from 1715 to 1774 and great-grandson of Louis XIV. He inherited the throne and a state burdened by the costs of Louis XIV’s wars.

Linked from 111 pages