Was Louis XIV an Absolute Monarch?

Omar Shiha
Class 4
February-13-2012

Louis XIV


Louis the XIV was a European monarch who ruled France for about 70 years. He became king in the year of 1643 when his father died, he took over the throne when he was at the age if four. His reign began when he was at the age four and ended and died in 1715. When he became king he though that him being king was chosen from god. Being a monarch is a person who rules the state and is not chosen by the people. A monarch also takes over all aspects of the government and state.

There are many reasons that show Louis XIV complete power over his state and government. When he took charge Louis XIV is in charge in making his decisions, and no one else can help him take his decisions. There is a quote that he said that shows his power over his decision taking. The quote says " I request and order you to seal no orders except by my command". This quotes shows complete dominance in his control over the government. He resembles to three other monarch like him, which are Peter the Great, King Phillip II, and Fredrick III.

King Louis XIV was the longest lasting monarch who had lived in Europe. His reign as a king over france lasted 72 years, from when he was a king at 1643 until 1715 the year he died. Only dictators last this long in ruling a country and taking power over the government. If he wasn't a monarch he would have been a democratic leader that was chosen by the people of the state. And Democratic leaders only stay for a maximum time span that is chosen by the government; unlike a monarch.

To show off his power King Louis XIV had the power to create any rule or law without any interference from the parliament. At this point when he was creating laws on his own the parliament lost its traditional power. It lost it because they weren't able to create laws and if they were, they had to take the kings approval of the law. This means he has no limits to his power; he resembles to Mubarak because the parliament didn't stop Mubarak from creating laws. King Louis XIV had complete over the government with no one doubting his authority or power.

King Louis XIV took over the power of france all by himself, as of he was trying to insulate the rule of france all for himself. When he tried to take over the power which he succeeded at the end, it had its bad effects to other people. It weakened the nobles power and saying in the parliament. He weakened their power by taking the noble people that have power and money and threw them in jail. For example he threw a noble men named, Nicolass Foquet in prison weakened his power in the state. By the nobles losing their power in the state he gained more power.

Further more he gained more power by creating a bureaucracy. A bureaucracy is an organization of non-elected officials of a government or organization who create the rules, laws, and functions for the state. They also taxed people, created state subsidies, and having an annual treasury deficit. An annual treasury deficit is where the state tries to loose money and gain more money. This organization or administration helped him in organizing the state from the inside.

King Louis XIV like to show off his wealth and he liked to glorify his monarchy. There are many examples where he is showing off his wealth and he is also glorifying his monarchy. But one obvious example showing off his wealth and glorifying his monarchy, is when he built the Chateau De Versailles. He build the Chateau De Versailles to show that he has more wealth and power than any other person in Europe.

Another way King Louis XIV liked to expand his empire is through war and conquest. Usually, King Louis is the one who always started wars and always tried to expand his empire. He liked to expand his empire to gain more power, and at the same time he would gain land. When he won wars and conquests he always linked the countries together so they can become one and expand France's boarders.

Lastly King Louis XIV's personality was very different than any other monarch in history. King Louis liked everything to be done perfect, he liked everything to be made with the finest things even if they were going to be very expensive. Unlike any other monarch he had to much arrogance in himself and he loved women so much. For example to show his arrogance he built a palace in a mosquito infested swamp and thought that nothing can stop him or stand in his way.

Also from his arrogance and confidence in himself he didn't like anyone to help him or tell him what to do. He also wanted glory no matter what the cost was going to be. Like the Versailles palace he just wanted to be remembered for his achievements and didn't mind the cost. King Louis loved women because of three main reasons. One because their elegance in fashion and their actions and words. Second is having sex with them. Third, is because when he had conversations with them they always teased him and made him laugh. When they teased him he thought it made him a better person. Because of his arrogance he always liked glory and fame.

In conclusion King Louis XIV liked many things, but the most thing that he liked is power, fame, and glory. He got power through trying to expand his empire, and separate with his power all alone. When he wanted fame he built the Versailles Palace. So if King Louis XIV wanted something he got it, and when he had power no one ever dared to doubt it and doubt his choices as a ruler.