France

Short Stats

• Relations: Peaceful towards England
  • Allies: the Bishopric of Münster and the Archbishopric of Cologne
  • At War: the Dutch. England was ally with the French against the Dutch, but dropped out of the War. Charles II's mother is the grand aunt of Louis XIV, and his sister Henrietta is married to Louis' uncle. Both are in Paris working to assure friendly relations between the two countries. Despite this fact the English King still carried the official title "King of France" due to an old claim. England at this time did not have any territory left in France.

• Current Ruler: Louis XIV
• Religion: Roman Catholicism

Background

The 17th century is noted for being a period of extravagance and power for the French Monarchy. King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu transformed France's feudal monarchy to an absolute monarchy.

Louis XIV, however, is the French king most associated with this period, first guided by Cardinal Mazarin and later on his own, the most well known absolutist monarch. Also known as the Sun King, Louis strengthened his own power by keeping all the local princes and lords occupied with the elaborate court life at his palace at Versailles. This focus on court life kept the local princes and lords from focusing on trying to undermine Louis' power. This period is also known for the genius of the writers, architects and musicians who were promoted by the royal court. Unfortunately, Louis' extravagance, in particular Louis XIV's endless wars, are expensive.

See Also

• the Marquis of Ruvigny, the French Ambassador to the English Court