Ep 10. French Absolutism - 1589 - 1715

Foundations of Western Civilization II: A History of the Modern Western World is a documentary series that explores the development of Western civilization through key moments in history. In season 1 episode 10, titled "French Absolutism - 1589 - 1715," viewers delve into the world of French monarchy and the reign of the absolute monarchs.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn about the rise of absolute monarchy in France, beginning with the reign of Henry IV and continuing through Louis XIII and XIV. Absolutism was a system where the monarch had complete control over the state and its citizens, and this form of government was particularly notable in France during this time period.

Henry IV came to the throne after years of civil unrest and established a new dynasty, the Bourbons, in France. He was known for his attempts to heal the wounds of the religious wars that had plagued the country and for his efforts to strengthen the French economy. His successor, Louis XIII, was a weaker ruler, and much of his reign was dominated by his powerful advisor, Cardinal Richelieu.

Richelieu played a key role in shaping the direction of French absolutism, as he helped establish a strong centralized state and worked to suppress the power of the nobility. His successor, Cardinal Mazarin, continued this work while contending with the Fronde, a series of rebellions against the monarchy.

The real embodiment of French absolutism, however, was Louis XIV, who took the throne at the age of four and ruled for over 70 years. He was known as the "Sun King" and is remembered as one of the most powerful monarchs in European history.

During Louis XIV's reign, France was a dominant force in Europe, both culturally and militarily. Louis believed in the divine right of kings and worked to make the monarchy the center of French life. He poured resources into his court at Versailles, where he surrounded himself with nobles and artists in an attempt to create a culture of luxury, sophistication, and loyalty to the monarchy.

Louis XIV also pursued an aggressive foreign policy, engaging in numerous wars designed to expand French territory and influence. This expansion led to conflicts with other European powers, including the Netherlands, Spain, and England.

The episode also explores the ways in which French absolutism impacted the lives of ordinary people in France. While the monarchy was consolidating its power, peasants and other lower-class citizens were often subjected to harsh conditions and heavy taxation. The strength of the French state allowed it to build a standing army and fund expensive wars, but these costs were often passed down to the regular people who had to pay for them.

Despite the drawbacks of absolutism, the period of French monarchy from 1589 to 1715 was a time of great change and transformation in Europe. The centralized state that emerged under Louis XIV would have a long-lasting impact on European politics, and French culture would continue to exert a profound influence on the world in the centuries that followed.

Overall, "French Absolutism - 1589 - 1715" provides a valuable window into a crucial moment in European history, where power was consolidated and the foundations of modern Western civilization were laid.