Write about France and Bourbon kings? Write about the condition of France under Bourbon kings?

 

Question: Write about France and Bourbon kings?             Write about the condition of France under Bourbon kings?

  Ans: Bourbon kings ruled France from 1589-1792.

A) Henry IV : Greatest ruler of Bourbon dynasty. Rapid progress can be seen under the rule of Henry IV. Henry IV ruled from 1589 – 1610. 

B) Louis XIII 1610 - 1643: Shortly before his ninth birthday, Louis became king of France and Navarre after his father Henry IV was assassinated. His mother, Marie de' Medici, acted as regent during his minority. Mismanagement of the kingdom and ceaseless political intrigues by Marie and her Italian favourites led the young king to take power in 1617 by exiling his mother and executing her followers, including Concino Concini, the most influential Italian at the French court. With the help of his ministers Reich (1624 – 1642) and Cardinal Mazarin (1642 - 1661) Louise XIII developed France. Louise XIII heavily depended on Cardinal Richelieu for taking decisions. Cardinal Richelieu is called as the ‘Father of France’. During his tenure as prime minister he developed France. He was a catholic and certified Bishop. Cardinal Richelieu banned the rights of Huguenots and suppressed the rebellious nobles.

Louis XIII foreign policy: Cardinal Richelieu and Cardinal Mazarin played important role in framing foreign policy of Louis XIII.

Cardinal Richelieu: Louis XIII was a king for namesake; all the decisions were taken by Cardinal Richelieu. With a strong foreign policy, Richelieu reduced the influence of Austria, Spain and Hapsburg in Europe. France became most influential state in Europe. Richelieu participated in 30years war and passed away before witnessing the result.

Cardinal Mazarin (1642 – 1661): Though Mazarin was an Italian, he considered France his foster mother. He succeeded Richelieu as foreign minister. He earned the enmity of nobles for following the foreign policy of Richelieu without any changes. This led to Fronde wars. The taxes which were resented by farmers and employees were banned by Paris Parlima. Intindents, were the employees who were strong supporters of dictatorship, were removed from their jobs. Mazarin.  Strategically Cardinal Mazarin kept silent and after getting exact clarity about the enemies, with the help of Turins (military officials), Mazarin suppressed the rebellious nobles by defeating them in Frande Wars and established peace in France.

Mazarin led the 30 years war to success which was commenced during Richelieu’s period. 30 years war was ended with the Treaty of Westphalia.

After the death of Mazarin in 1661, Louis XIV declared that he shall be his own prime minister.

C) Louis XIV (1643 - 1715):

Title of Louis XIV:

·         Grand King

·         Sun King

Famous quote of Louis XIV was, ‘I am the state’.  Just as the world revolved around the sun, France revolved around Louis XIV. King Louis XIV was also compared to Apollo, the Greek god of the sun.

Colbert was his finance minister, Colbert was his minister of war,  Dabas looked after the construction of forts. Famous military generals achieved great victories for France. Colbert economic reforms were the reasons for the development of France. Colbert reduced the tax burden on common people and increased the value of Franc. His chef was Vatel, and under his there were 200 cooks. Some French people performed Seppuku / Harakiri, when they failed to deliver their duties properly. Vatel also ended his life by practicing Seppuku.

Palace of Versailles: Palace of Versailles was constructed by Louis XIV. It is located 15 miles away from Paris. 30,000 masons strived for 20 years to construct the magnificent building. Louis XIV personally supervised the construction of this building. 300 million Francs were spent for the construction of the Palace of Versailles. The construction was completed by 1682 and then onwards it served as the center of French Government.

Battles fought during the reign of Louis XIV: Louis XIV liked people fighting for him. Incessantly he waged wars with various countries. Between 1661 and 1715 he waged many wars. Among them four are major wars.

1. War of Devolution in 1667/1668: France fought against Spain for the Spanish possessions in the Spanish Netherlands. This war ended with Aix la Chappell Treaty.

2. Dutch War (1672-1678): a French attempt to conquer the United Provinces of the Netherlands, which turned into a major European War in 1674. This war ended with Nimudeguen treaty.

3. War of the Grand Alliance / Augsburg League War (1688-1697): in which once again almost all great European states were involved in fighting back French expansion. Louis XIV – William III of England. This war ended with Ryswick treaty.

4. War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714): In this war, France and Austria both fought to get the bigger part of the Spanish empire after the death of King Charles II. This war put the Bourbon King Philip V in power at the concession to the Austrian Hapsburg King Leopold I that the two monarchies would not join in a union. Spanish power was declined with this war.

To avoid the geographical division of Spain, Charles II, king of Spain, before his death in 1701, wrote a will making Azova Phillip the master of Spain.

Leopold declared war on Louis XIV became king of Spain. This war was started in 1701 and lasted till 1713. This battle was ended with the Treaty of Utrecht and Phillip, grandson of Louis became king of Spain.

Thus France continued under the rule of Bourbons.