Louis XIV the Responsible for France´s Financial Burden

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In 1643, the French had to put their faith and future into a five year old boy named Louis XIV (Elena Steingrad). Since the future king was so young, they had to put French officials into power until Louis was old enough. Finally, when he grew up he became a great king and led France to great power (Elena Steingrad). Even though he made France’s power rise and proved he was a great ruler, he ruined France financially and economically for the future. Louis XIV was born on September 5, 1639 and was known to be the “god-given” child of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria (Elena Steingrad). At age five he was given the title of being King of France, but at a very young age he could not take control of the powerful French nation. French officials and nobles took control until Louis XIV grew up to rule France. As a child he was neglected by his mother, Anne of Austria (Elena Steingrad). He had to be cared for by his servants, which is sad knowing that he was not even cared for by his own mother. As he grew older and took control of France he came to be known as the “Sun King” (Elena Steingrad). Just like how the sun is located in the center of the solar system, Louis XIV believed that he was the center of the nation. Louis XIV described himself as, “L’etat, c’est moi” which means “I am the state” showing his dominance over the whole nation (World History). He chose his symbol to be an image of a sun because it was associated with Apollo, who was known to be a warrior and king. Just like Apollo, Louis XIV brought peace to France. Louis XIV had the longest reign in French history, which might not have been the best thing for the French. Even though Louis XIV brought the absolute monarch to its height, created the great Palace of Versailles, ... ... middle of paper ... ...conomy. Again, because of Louis XIV poor decisions, it hurts the French society tremendously (Huguenot Society of Virginia). Louis XIV proved to be a great leader, but despite being such a good leader he brought France down economically and financially. He wasted all of France’s money on things that were not needed at all. Things like the palace of Versailles, wars, and getting rid of the people that were most important to their country. These reasons caused France to be in a financial burden for years to come. Work Cited Ellis, Elisabeth, and Anthony Esler. Prentice Hall World History The Modern Era. 2011. Print. Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution. David Grubin Productions, Inc. 13 Sept. 2006. Web. 1 Dec. 2013. Steingrad, Elena. Louis XIV Biography. 2000. Web. 1 Dec. 2013. Webmaster. Huguenot Society of Virginia. W, 2013. Web. 1 Dec. 2013.

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