Similarities Between Elizabeth I And King Louis Xiv

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of the most notable monarchs to ever rule in Europe have been Queen Elizabeth I and King Louis XIV. Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from November 17, 1558 up until her passing in 1603. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, the childless Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty. Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great or Sun King, was a monarch of the House of Bourbon who ruled as King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. His time in power of 72 years and 110 days is the lengthiest of any monarch of a major country in European history. A monarch may exercise the most and highest authority in the state or others may wield that power on behalf of the monarch. They were both powerful, but exercised their …show more content…

Elizabeth was praised as a heroine of the Protestant cause and the ruler of a golden age. She took the citizens of England under her wings and nurtured them by providing for them and taking care of them. By reading the documents provided, which include different speeches and letters; we can see how she and King Louis had different views on how to control their respective countries and how they saw citizens’ role on shaping the country. In the “Speech to the Troops at Tilbury”, by Elizabeth to the land forces assembled at Tilbury (Essex) to repel the anticipated invasion of the Spanish Armada, it is clear that she cares about the people, or at least tries to be persuasive to remain with the crown. In this speech she acts humble and loving to her nation and its citizens. She stated that she will live and die amongst them in the heat of battle and the she will lay down for her God, for her kingdom, and her people, her honor and her blood, even in the dust.” Although Queen Elizabeth I was considered to be a weak monarch in terms of war (she was peaceful), this speech really got the people going, and she said that she will reward everyone off the virtues shown in the field. The queen wants to make the people happy and make them like her. In Elizabeth’s I “Farewell Speech” in 1601, she mentions that her duty is to make her citizens happy and wants to see them prosper. In other words she states that …show more content…

During Louis's reign, France was the leading European power and it fought three major wars. In the document written by Jean Domat, it is stated how King Louis XIV governed France. He wanted citizens to be submissive and obedient to the government, “since God himself established it”. This document also states that each individual owes obedience to the laws, even the unjust ones. This is a type of monarchy that would translate to a communist dictatorship nowadays. King Louis XIV believed that he as the head of the country was taking the place of God. Louis XIV tried to keep power by being authoritative and creating fear on the citizens, while Elizabeth kept power by being likeable to the people. In the “Memoirs of Louis XIV, His Court, and His Regency” it states how the king treated the nobles like servants and how they had to wait in line for a mere chance of getting to speak to him. In the Letter to his Heir, which doesn’t only provide practical advice for the king’s heir; it also provides us with insight into royal attitudes and priorities. In this letter the King explains how all his secretaries of state, chancellor, and Controller had to go through him and receive his command. When Louis XIV was in his deathbed he advised his heir with these words, "Do not follow the bad

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