A Comparison of the Characteristics of the Absolutist Rule of Charles I of England and Louis XIV of France
explanatory Essay
1583 words
A Comparison of the Characteristics of the Absolutist Rule of Charles I of England and Louis XIV of France While both the French and English empires were growing overseas, the modern system of great powers was evolving in Europe itself. France became Europe's superpower in the 1600's. Louis XIV, the "Sun King," served as a model of absolute royal power. England in the 1600's, by contrast, provided an early example of more democratic rule as Parliament limited the power of monarchs. From the 1560's to the 1590's, religious wars between Huguenots (French Protestants) and the Catholic majority tore France apart. Leaders on each side used the war to make themselves look better. Two of the lead families (one from each side) wanted to replace the declining Valois dynasty. The worst of the fighting began on St. Bartholomew's Day, August 24, 1572. At a wedding, violence erupted that lead to 3,000 Huguenot deaths. In the coming days, many more were murdered. St. Bartholomew's Day stood for the breakdown of France. In 1589, Henry of Navarre inherited the throne and became known as Henry IV. He became Catholic so the French population would support him in his efforts. When he dies in 1610, his nine year old son, Louis XIII inherited the throne. In 1624, Louis made Cardinal Armand Richelieu his chief minister. He spent 18 years strengthening the central government. Richelieu was determined to destroy the power of the nobles and the Huguenots, two groups that would not tolerate royal authority. He defeated their armies and destroyed their castles. He got them back by giving those positions at court or in the army. Richelieu outlawed their armies... ... middle of paper ... ... occasionally died on the battlefield or were murdered by rivals. But, this was the first time that a ruling monarch had been tried and executed by his own people. The parliamentary forces had sent a clear signal that, in England, no ruler could claim absolute power and ignore the rule of law. Louis outlived his sons and grandsons. When he died in 1715, his five year old great-grandson inherited the throne as Louis XV. Louis XV was far too weak a king to deal with all the problems in France. He neglected his duties and squandered any hope for a positive tenure as king. He knew reform was needed, but he left that up to a future leader. English rulers still had a lot of power, but they had to deal with Parliament. In the age of absolute monarchy elsewhere in Europe, a limited monarchy in England was radical enough.
In this essay, the author
- Compares the characteristics of the absolutist rule of charles i of england and louis xiv of france.
- Explains how religious wars between huguenots and catholics tore france apart from 1560 to 1590. leaders used the war to make themselves look better.
- Explains that st. bartholomew's day stood for the breakdown of france. henry iv inherited the throne and became catholic so the french population would support him in his efforts.
- Explains that richelieu was determined to destroy the power of nobles and the huguenots, two groups that would not tolerate royal authority. he defeated their armies and destroyed their castles.
- Explains that richelieu picked cardinal jules marazin as his successor. louis xiv inherited the throne and was able to serve as chief minister.
- Explains that louis xiv ruled as an absolute monarch. he was responsible for many elegant buildings in france and especially paris.
- Explains that louis xiv's reign lasted seventy-two years. the sun was associated with apollo, god of peace and arts, and a heavenly body that gave life to all things.
- Explains that louis xiv was not liked among the people of france. he was a patron of peace and the arts.
- Explains louis xiv's strict court and daily rituals were elaborate and for nobles mandatory. the people bowed down, but felt the king no longer belonged to them.
- Explains the formality of the king's morning routine. the queen, children, court officials, and nobles were admitted to his chambers and ate breakfast according to a rigid daily schedule.
- Explains that louis xiv was a huge patron of the arts. he patronized almost all the great writers of his time without enslaving or limiting their inspiration.
- Explains that louis xiv's influence dominated the arts even more than it did writing. he examined the plans of the works, directed the artists, and imposed his taste.
- Explains that the palace of versailles was one of louis xiv's greatest achievements. it took more than thirty years to build this masterpiece, under his direction.
- Explains that versailles was built with huge elegant gardens on all sides. the gardens are laid out in broad avenues lined with trees, shrubbery, and groups of sculpture.
- Describes how louis invaded the spanish netherlands in 1667, gained twelve fortresses in flanders, and isolated the dutch by buying england and swedish neutrality.
- Explains that the dutch aided by spain and austria, staved off french attacks for six years. the treaties signed at nijmegen gave louis the franche-comte region and more forts in flanders.
- Describes how louis sent an army into the rhineland in 1688 to claim the palatinate for his sister-in-law elizabeth charlotte of bavaria. the league of augsburg revealed serious problems in louis's army.
- Explains that louis's success stemmed from his acceptance to the spanish throne on behalf of his grandson, phillip. his armies lost most of the major battles, but won control of spain.
- Explains how henry viii sought the approval of the parliament when he broke away from the roman catholic church. parliament went ahead with the act of supremacy and allowed him to seize monastery lands.
- Explains that elizabeth i used parliament and controlled it to her advantage. her aides expressed her wishes and outlawed certain topics, including her marriage.
- Explains that king james clashed with parliament over money and foreign policy. charles i inherited the throne in 1625. he behaved like an absolute ruler.
- Explains that charles was king of england & wales, scotland and ireland, and claimed authority and a right to be the power. the main power theme was the dispute between the king and parliament.
- Explains that charles wanted to put his own supreme power and authority in place. parliament's ideas on how to govern the nation were different from charles' thoughts.
- Explains that mps, the puritans, believed that they should have more authority and freedom of speech. the king's advisors were hated by almost everybody.
- Explains how charles imprisoned foes for no reason and squeezed the nation of money. parliament forced him to sign the petition of right.
- Describes how charles led troops into the house of commons to arrest its most radical leaders because parliament tried and executed most of charles' chief ministers.
- Describes how charles declared "i am a martyr of the people" and told the executioner he would strike. the execution sent shock waves throughout europe.
- Explains that louis xv was the first monarch to be tried and executed by his own people. the parliamentary forces had sent a clear signal that no ruler could claim absolute power and ignore the rule of law.
- Analyzes how the french king neglected his duties and squandered any hope of a positive tenure.
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- The Palace of Versailles and the Absolutism of Louis XIVanalytical essayThe Palace of Versailles and the Absolutism of Louis XIV Absolutism describes a form of monarchical power that is unrestrained by all other institutions, such as churches, legislatures, or social elites. To achieve absolutism one must first promote oneself as being powerful and authoritative, then the individual must take control of anyone who might stand in the way of absolute power. The Palace of Versailles helped King Louis XIV fulfill both of those objectives. Versailles used propaganda by promoting Louis with its grandiosity and generous portraits that all exuded a sense of supremacy.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the palace of versailles supported absolutism during king louis xiv's reign through propaganda and control of the nobility.
- Analyzes how versailles' grandiosity promoted louis xiv's name and made him a prominent subject in the artwork.
- Analyzes the use of propaganda in versailles, including the depiction of louis xiv as handsome and god-like, as well as murals depicting the king's life and actions.
- Analyzes how louis xiv appears as a young king, clad in the breastplate of antiquity, but wigs and is easily identifiable.
- Explains that the murals and artwork of versailles were important to louis' reign because they gave off the impression that louis was very powerful and successful.
- Analyzes how the elaborate scale of the palace and daily life that inevitably was a part of it impressed foreign visitors as well as the people of france, enhancing louis' glory and absolutism.
- Opines that granting access to the state apartments was not an altruistic gesture meant to satisfy the curiosity of the masses. it was a way to promote the monarchy.
- Analyzes how the grandiosity of versailles was meant to endorse louis xiv. the general luxuriousness of the palace was a sign of louis' supremacy not only to france, but to foreign countries as well.
- Explains that versailles supported louis' absolutist reign by controlling the court and nobles. louis was wary of revolt due to "pockets of rebellion" that had been occurring throughout europe.
- Explains that versailles was built big enough for louis' entire court to live there at the same time, saving him from being plotted against by his own court. the migratory court required the members to meet with the king at one location, return home to attend to personal business, and reconvene
- Explains that louis moved the court to the palace of versailles, which also forced the nobility to move there.
- Explains that the lavish nature of versailles unavoidably included several frivolities. the nobility had to spend a great deal of their money to stay in the king's favor.
- Analyzes how the layout of versailles provided louis with the leverage he needed to manage the nobility by occupying their time with social scheming.
- Analyzes how the palace of versailles provided louis with control over the nobilities, which would not have been possible without its size, costly nature and arrangement.
- Explains that the palace of versailles supported king louis xiv's reign of absolutism by promoting him with propaganda and facilitating his control of the nobility.
- Cites barter, james, xavier salmon, and jean-marc mana. the palace of versailles.
1705 wordsRead More - The Irresponsibility of European Monarchyopinion essayEurope in the early years was a time of great metamorphosis. As Louis XIV, Napoleon, and Elizabeth I developed and shaped the society, the essence of modern European history is created. By analyzing Louis XIV, Napoleon, and Elizabeth I, one can gain a clear view of the disadvantages of monarchy and absolutism referring to its irresponsibility, uncertainty, and collapsibility between the dispersal of rights and responsibilities. Perhaps the irresponsibility of the monarchs was the main cause of the abolition of monarchy.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the disadvantages of monarchy and absolutism, referring to its irresponsibility, uncertainty, and collapsal between the dispersal of rights and responsibilities.
- Analyzes how louis xiv, the supreme sovereign in the 17th century, built a flourishing empire, but rather momentary one.
- Opines that louis xiv's responsibility was not for the people, rather than himself; the kingdom of france had a total debt of 60 million livers.
- Analyzes how napoleon, a centric figure in the french history, performed an example of the progressively unreliability of man in power.
- Explains the flaws of absolutism, such as the monarch's personal safety, and how the royalists were divided into separate sides antagonizing each other.
- Opines that protection was hard to provide, but several acts of the parliament relieved elizabeth i from this period of terror.
- Opines that the irresponsible, unreliable, and collapsable properties of dictatorship determined its disappearance in the river of history.
- Opines that somerset, fry plantagenet, the kings & queens of england and scotland. grove weidenfeld, 1990.
- Explains that jacob abbott's the project gutenberg ebook of queen elizabeth, by john s. c. abbott, new york: harper, 1902.
- Cites gengembre, gérard, chalençon, and chanteranne. napoleon: the immortal emperor. new york: vendome, 2003.
- Explains neale, j. e., and sylvia neely. a concise history of the french revolution.
1449 wordsRead More - Compare And Contrast Louis Xiv And Peter The Greatargumentative essayDuring the 16th and 17th centuries a new type of ruling emerged as a result of unorganized government called royal absolutism. This type of government was seen in many European countries including France and Russia where King Louis XIV and Peter the Great ruled respectively. Both had ways of ruling that were similar to each other and different to each other. Politically, economically and socially both Louis XIV and Peter the Great were similar to and different from how they ruled and what their reign resulted.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that royal absolutism emerged as a result of unorganized government during the 16th and 17th centuries. both louis xiv and peter the great had ways of ruling that were similar and different to each other.
- Compares louis and peter's politics. both viewed themselves as above the law, but louis xiv was arrogant and distrustful of people like peter.
- Compares the economic policies of louis xiv and peter's reign.
- Analyzes how louis xiv and peter the great's policies and laws resulted in international prestige for france.
- Explains that king louis xiv of france and peter the great of russia both substantially changed their countries with their political, economic, and social policies.
953 wordsRead More - Absolutism Essaycomparative essayAbsolutism is a political theory giving rulers complete sovereignty. Louis XIV was one of the most popular successful absolute monarchs. He exercised absolute paternal rights of a father on France and his powers were unlimited by church, legislature, or elites. Calling himself the "Sun King" after the God Apollo, he worked to banish feudalism and create a unified state under his absolute power. To illustrate this power he built the Palace at Versailles and created an elaborate, theatrical royal lifestyle. His reign of 72 years, from 1638 to 1715, it is the longest documented reign of any European monarch. To establish absolutism in France Louis XIV used divers strategies including the centralization of the French state, diminishing the nobles' power and oppressing the third estate.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that louis xiv was one of the most popular successful absolute monarchs. he worked to banish feudalism and create a unified state under his absolute power.
- Explains that louis xiv wanted to have control over everything that happened in his country. he centralized the state with district commissioners appointed by the king.
- Explains that louis xiv came to throne at age four, and his mother, anne of austria, became the queen regent and ruled france with the help of chief minister jules mazarin.
- Explains that louis xiv's grandiose dream was not realized without sacrifices nor the everlasting war. the third estate supported both the church and the nobility.
- Concludes that louis xiv used many strategies to become an absolute monarch and prevent anyone from overthrowing the throne.
859 wordsRead More - Absolutismanalytical essayAbsolutism was a political theory that encouraged rulers during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to establish complete sovereignty within their territories. A ruler with complete sovereignty had the jurisdiction to make laws, enforce justice, create and direct bureaucracy, declare war, and levy taxation without formal approval from any other governing authorities. One of the most threatening opponents to the royal absolutist were the nobles, who played a significant role in the success or the demise of the countries. A series of absolutist rulers in England, France, and Russia rose to power in various ways: some met with success while others fell short. I plan to discuss how absolutists commanded armed forces of the state, controlled its legal system, and how the spending of the state’s resources will lead to the construction of a healthy nation or lead to drastic reforms.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how louis xiv's reign was successful, despite his kingship being presented as a large performance. he imposed religious unity in france, believing that god would favor him for his actions.
- Describes how peter i established absolutism in russia by imposing cultural reforms on the traditional russian nobility.
- Explains that absolutism encouraged rulers to establish complete sovereignty within their territories. the tories supported charles's reforms while the whigs did not.
- Analyzes how louis xiv's administrators devoted much of their tax revenue to finance his large standing army and lavish lifestyle. colbert refined the tax system so that 80 percent of the amount collected would reach the treasury.
- Analyzes how peter i rose to power by brute force, but had a clear goal and good intentions for russia. his reign ended with no heir but he still succeeded in building one of the greatest powers in europe.
1288 wordsRead More - Western Civilizationopinion essayDuring this time King Louis XIV sought to find stability in “absolutist monarchs sought control of the state’s armed forces and its legal system and demanded the right to collect and spend the state’s fifinancial resources at will. To achieve these goals, they also needed to create an efficient, centralized bureaucracy that owed its allegiance directly to the monarch.”(pg 356) The King traded privileges for allegiance and implemented taxes. There were many countries that opposed these ideas such as England when they emerged with a constitutional monarchy where absolutism was not tolerated. During the Glorious Revolution John Locke(1632-1704) wrote The Contract Th...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that even after the cold war, europe is still divided between those same countries. the netherlands, switzerland, norway, germany, france, and the united kingdom have remained strong.
- Explains that the european union is the wealthiest economy in the world, but how did they get there?
- Explains how king louis xiv sought stability in absolutetist monarchs. they traded privileges for allegiance and implemented taxes.
- Explains how the french revolution was triggered by taxation by king louis xvi and the displeasing contrast of power between each social rank.
- Explains that the industrial revolution began in 1750 in the united kingdom paving the way for changes economically and socially into western europe as well as america.
- Explains that karl marx was one of the most influential socialists of all time. he wrote the communist manifesto with friedrich engels which said that every state should be totalitarian and the downfall of capitalism was inevitable.
- Compares lenin's ideas on party organization among the groups of the bolsheviks and menshens in 1902 with marx’s to eliminate divisions between classes and create a socialistic state.
1112 wordsRead More - French Absolutism and the French Revolutionexplanatory essayFrench Absolutism and the French Revolution During the period between 1589 through 1783, the French Monarchy had risen to its height of absolute power and then was destroyed by the French Revolution. The reigns of Henry IV, Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI each contributed to the strengthening of the French Monarchy as well as the destruction. Class struggles were a major problem throughout the reigns of each king. France was broken into three estates that were; the clergy, the nobility, and the common people.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the clergy, the nobility, and the common people were each striving for something.
- Explains that peasants were reduced, and taxes on the other groups were raised. he wiped out nobles.
- Opines that if the lower classes aren't happy then the upper classes will be unhappy.
- Explains that henry iv issued the edict of nantes. he was a great ruler and did many honorable things.
- Explains that the huguenots were reduced from a powerful political power.
- Explains that under his rule, unity and religious peace were secured and france was raised to the first place.
- Narrates how he decided to rule alone with jean colbert as his financial advisor.
- Opines that people began to feel that life would be better if things changed. louis wanted to change things.
- Explains that he was determined to force the huguenots to convert, and revoked the edict of nantes.
- Explains that france had many problems at his death in 1715. france was in debt, they had new problems.
- Explains that jobs in the parlement were more like nobles because they had money and their sons.
- Opines that louis took control, however, he did not take interest in government and never took interest.
- Explains the war of polish succession and france gained the province of lorraine.
- Describes the periodic economic crises that were from the long wars waged during louis's xiv rule.
- Explains that louis xvi was vocal during his reign, but most of the reforms took place within two years.
- Explains how the middle and upper classes thought that they could change society for the better.
- Explains that france began to have ideas because of the actions of louis, who disliked the english.
- Narrates how the french people began to like america's money and put france further in debt.
- Explains that it was the first gathering of the estates since 1614.
- Explains that the third estate refused to follow the old method of voting and declared themselves the winner.
- Describes how paris set up a new city government, romed the country side, and tore up books.
- Narrates how the women slaughtered the royal guards and got to the king.
- Opines that the queen was one of the first to be executed.
- Describes the ideas that contributed to the rise and fall of the french monarchy.
- Describes the reigns of henry iv, louis xiii, and louis ixiv, which contributed to the french revolution.
- Explains that people had accepted things as they were, but by the end of the enlightenment people changed their forms of government. the idea that life would be better if things changed became reality.
- Explains that henry iv was the first king to deal with these problems. he was supported by spain and the pope, however, the league refused to accept a protestant king of france.
- Narrates how in 1593, he defeated his enemies and declared converting to catholicism, but did not forget his protestant roots.
- Explains that under his rule the king became more powerful. he assured that the position of the king would be absolute.
- Explains that louis xiii, the son of henry iv, ruled france from 1610 to 1643. his mother served as regent during his minority years, but she was weak and selfish.
- Opines that richilieu succeeded in ruining the huguenot party, laying low the pride of the nobility, and raising renown among foreign nations.
- Explains how the middle class was put in charge of these districts. they were called intendants, who collected taxes, raised armies, and spyed on nobles.
- Explains that louis xiv was ruler of france from 1643 to 1715. he imposed absolute rule on france and fought a lot of wars trying to dominate
- Explains how cardinal jules mazarin ruled as regent for louis until he reached his legal age.
- Analyzes how louis' early life was scary. he had been kidnapped many times, and everyone was trying to influence him. when louis grew older, he found it crirical to bring stability and reform to france.
- Explains how louis, a hardworking king, built versailles, which became the showplace of europe. the extravagance of the court meant tax burdens for the common.
- Explains that louis xiv had the parlement de paris made up of judges to crush power. he ignored the oppurtunities to gain an empire in america and got france into wars that ruined the country financially and paved the way for the french revolution.
- Explains how louis cooperated with his chancellor in an effort to reform the country's insufficient system of taxation.
- Opines that louis xv, was not a good king and throughout his rule he was reversed after his death.
- Explains that louis was influenced by marie antoinette and courtiers who opposed financial reformers.
- Opines that by fighting for a democracy, he was making his people want democracy rather than democracy.
- Explains that louis xvi tried to tax nobles because of the debt left from earlier reigns. he aked them to pay volutarily, but the parlement said no.
- Explains that louis deprived the national assmbly of its meeting hall. they met at a tennis court, where they made the tennis court oath. serious divisions split the ranks of the upper
- Narrates how nobles broke off to join forces with the national assembly, and the tennis court was broken up.
- Opines that everyone is equal. the nobility lost all of its power and the declaration of the rights of man was not fast enough.
- Explains that france had the biggest army in europe, it was a citizen army. although the war lasted until 1797, the country was saved.
- Opines that it is ironic that after years of fighting for democracy, the fench people decide that they want a dictatorship.
2294 wordsRead More - Of all the absolute rulers in Europe, by far the best example of one, and the most powerful, was Louis XIV of France. Although Louis had some failures, he also had many successes. He controlled France’s money and had many different ways to get, as well as keep his power, and he knew how to delegate jobs to smart, but loyal people.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that louis xiv of france was the most powerful ruler in europe. he controlled france's money and had many different ways to get, as well as keep his power.
- Explains that an absolute monarch is a king or queen who has unlimited power and seeks to control all aspects of society. this trend started in the 1600s by european leaders who were rich, and didn't like being told what to do.
- Explains how louis used a few key techniques to gain the power he desired as an absolute monarch, such as taking all of the nobles' power and making them completely under his control.
- Explains that the palace at versailles was bigger than any other palace, more expensive, and better in just about everyway except for being good for its country, france.
- Explains how colbert gave some power away to people who were skilled and loyal. he used mercantilist polcies and the palace at versailles.
- Explains that louis xiv had failures as frances' monarch, but unlike others, he didn't worry about losing power because of it.
- Explains how louis xiv became the greatest absolute monarch in europe, gained land for france, and built versailles. another great achievement was from a military stand point.
- Opines that louis xiv of france was the most powerful and the best example because of his successes, being able to continue his control even after failures, and his ability to use france’s money in any way he wanted.
1549 wordsRead More - Louis XIVanalytical essayWhen Louis the XIV began his rule in 1643, his actions immediately began to suggest and absolute dictatorship. Because of the misery he had previously suffered, one of the first things he did was to decrease the power of the nobility. He withdrew himself from the rich upper class, doing everything secretly. The wealth had no connection to Louis, and therefore all power they previously had was gone. He had complete control over the nobles, spying, going through mail, and a secret police force made sure that Louis had absolute power. Louis appointed all of his officials, middle class men who served him without wanting any power. Louis wanted it clear that none of his power would be shared. He wanted "people to know by the rank of the men who served him that he had no intention of sharing power with them." If Louis XIV appointed advisors from the upper classes, they would expect to gain power, and Louis was not willing to give it to them. The way Louis XIV ruled, the sole powerful leader, made him an absolute ruler. He had divine rule, and did not want to give any power to anyone other than himself. These beliefs made him an absolute ruler.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that in the seventeenth century there were different types of leaders in europe. classic monarchial rule was giving way to absolutist rule.
- Analyzes how louis the xiv's actions suggested absolute dictatorship. he withdrew himself from the rich upper class, doing everything secretly, and appointed all of his officials without wanting any power.
- Explains how louis xiv controlled france's economy, regulated the flow of trade, and encouraged skilled workers and craftsmen to immigrate to france.
- Explains how louis xiv built a massive army and revoked the edict of nantes in 1685 to gain power and control.
- Explains that louis xiv led france as an absolute ruler, leading to the increase of absolutism elsewhere. the success in the balance of trade in france led to increased economy.
782 wordsRead More - The Reign of Louis XIVanalytical essayLouis XIV was born in 1638. In the year 1661 he succeeded the regent Cardinal Mazarin. At the time he was only twenty-three. Louis applied the symbol of the sun to his reign; "the light that imparts to the other heavenly bodies." Louis intended to make the other states of Europe "the other heavenly bodies," him take taking the role and duties of the sun. As you will see King Louis XIV was a very proud, clever, glory-hungry, and well-spoken ruler. There are three authors in the section on Louis XIV who discuss the qualities and short-comings during his time of power. These authors are Saint-Simon, Voltaire, and Pierre Goubert. They reveal the different ways that King Louis XIV was depicted during reign until his untimely death in 1715.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that louis xiv was a proud, clever, glory-hungry, and well-spoken ruler.
- Analyzes how saint-simon depicted the feelings of a love-hate attitude towards louis xiv.
- Analyzes how voltaire's book, the age of louis xiv, shows overwhelming support for louis, only mentioning few instances of his short-comings during his time of leadership.
- Describes pierre goubert's book, louis xiv and twenty million frenchmen, which argues that louis was an able bureaucratic manager rather than a strict autocrat.
444 wordsRead More