Louis_14th

Louis 14th The epitome of absolute monarchy was Louis XIV. This was clearly evident throughout France for sixty-one years during which time he brought a degree of centralized control never before seen. He had total control over all aspects of government and culture. He reorganized industry and commerce by implementing mercantilist policies and through these policies he was able to increase revenue all without any influence from the government. The policies of Louis XIV were directed at self-glorification and the glory of France. “The War machine” is a perfect example of Louis quest for self- glorification; he created an army that was nationally united and powerful enough to give him and the state the impression of invincibility. The military also served as a way to give the king the appearance of a war lord. ”the king might not actually be a hero in battle, but he had to have the reputation of being one”. This reputation was important to maintain due to Louis classist nature. Socially the king used this centrally controlled army to minimize the power the nobility had over him, by recruiting and maintaining an active army he no longer relied on the nobility for assistance at times of war. Louis was war, nobility, louis, king, policies, over, army, without, total, reputation, mercantilist, knew, keeping, happy, government, give, france, control, xiv, worlds, while, way, wars, wanted, very, versailles, united, under, trust, true, took, together, times