How were the ideas of Louis XIV similar? How were they different?

How were the ideas of Louis XIV and Philip II similar? How were they different?

josh still waitin' since 2012

To understand how the ideas of Louis XIV were similar and different, we need to first explore the key aspects of his rule and beliefs. Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, was the king of France from 1643 to 1715. His ideas can be analyzed by looking at his policies, political philosophy, and governing style.

Similarities in Louis XIV's Ideas:
1. Absolutism: Louis XIV firmly believed in the concept of absolute monarchy, where the king's power was unchecked and he held supreme authority over all aspects of governance. He considered himself the embodiment of the state.

2. Centralization of Power: Louis XIV aimed to centralize power in his hands and curb the influence of nobles and regional authorities. He achieved this through policies like the construction of the Palace of Versailles, which allowed him to keep a close eye on the nobility.

3. Divine Rule: Louis XIV adhered to the idea of the divine right of kings, which held that monarchs were appointed by God and their authority was absolute. He used this concept to legitimize his rule and maintain a strong grip on power.

Differences in Louis XIV's Ideas:
1. Religious Policy: Although Louis XIV was a devout Catholic, his religious policies evolved over time. Initially, he pursued a policy of religious unity and increased state control over the Catholic Church. However, later in his reign, he adopted more aggressive measures, like the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, which led to the persecution of French Protestants.

2. War and Expansion: Louis XIV had a strong belief in the need for military conquest and territorial expansion. His aggressive foreign policies resulted in significant military engagements, the most notable being the War of the Spanish Succession. These ambitions set him apart from some of his royal predecessors who prioritized diplomatic strategies over military might.

3. Economic Policies: Louis XIV implemented various economic reforms, such as promoting industry and trade, establishing colonies, and developing infrastructure. However, his focus on lavish court expenditures and costly wars led to increased taxation on the lower classes and economic hardship for many.

To summarize, Louis XIV's ideas were similar in terms of absolutism, centralization of power, and divine rule. However, differences can be seen in his religious policy, approach to warfare and territorial expansion, and economic reforms.