King Louis XIV (1638-1715), known as the “Sun King,” was born in 1638 and inherited the French throne at just four years old, eventually growing up to become one of Europe’s most powerful absolute monarchs. Because he was too young to rule initially, the country was managed by advisors during his childhood, but he took full control of the government in 1661 with his famous belief that “I am the state.” He famously chose the sun as his personal emblem to symbolize that he was the center of the nation, claiming he brought “light” and order to France. To display his immense power and keep a close eye on his nobles, he built the dazzling and extravagant Palace of Versailles, moving the entire royal court there in 1682. He figured if he created a lavish lifestyle for royal nobles, and they realized their lifestyle was dependent on him, they would never want to rise against him so that they could continue enjoying the riches and entertainment he gave them. He transformed France into a cultural and military superpower. However, his luxurious lifestyle, grand palace upkeep, and numerous expensive wars drained the national treasury and heavily taxed the common people, planting the seeds for future economic crisis. He also revoked religious freedom for French Protestants, known as Huguenots, causing hundreds of thousands of skilled workers to flee the country. When he died in 1715, he left behind a brilliantly shining legacy of arts and culture, but also a deeply indebted nation that would struggle for generations to come.
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FREE BELL RINGER: King Louis the 14th