The Rule of Louis XIV

The first question to answer has to do with the definition of absolutism. If we limit absolutism to absolute despots who did whatever they wanted to do, with no regard for their subjects, using force whenever they wanted to do so, and disregarding laws in the process, then Louis XIV was not an absolutist. However, if we mean by absolutist a leader who felt that he should be the absolute ruler of a nation, ordained by contract and God to express the nation's will as his own, the Louis XIV certainly qualifies.

Hatton's essential attitude with respect to the absolute monarchy in general and with respect to Louis XIV in particular is that an era and its leaders can only fairly be assessed in the specific context of that era. Living in a relative democracy today, we are inclined to look into past eras and h

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"Given the political, social and judicial climate in which he lived, Louis could not help but identify himself with France." He believed that "he was the whole State, and the will of all the people was locked in his." Louis stated that "The body of the nation resides not in France. It dwells wholly in the person of the King." Louis also increasingly believed that his power was a matter of direct transmission from God: It seemed quite natural to him that the greater part of the court, the clergy and the kingdom should proclaim him God's lieutenant upon earth, and later cry . . . "Oh, kings, you are as gods!" (Goubert 64). Louis XIV's first step in the consolidation of his power was the "Complete reorganization of government." He did away with the office of the prime minister and let go almost all of the members of the King's Council, from clerks to appointees of "noble birth." He had only three ministers. This accomplished for Louis a consolidation of power at the top of the government, reducing those aides to a handful and maintaining control over them: Not a single prelate, great nobleman or even prince of the blood, not even the wise and illustrious Terenne, had access to what was soon known as the "High Council" at which a
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Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page)

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