Sun King

Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, was the absolute monarch of France from 1643 to 1715. He was the third monarch of the Bourbon Family, who ruled for 72 years, the longest reign of any European Monarch. Louis guided France through a great era that signified France’s continental European dominance, even though he inherited a kingdom that was internally divided, militarily exhausted, and nearly bankrupt. The Sun King, or le Roi Soleil, achieved many of …

…s reign, France acquired many colonial possessions. Also, Louis strengthened the central government’s control over the diverse and unique regions of France. On the other hand, he provoked controversy between Catholics and Protestants. Ultimately, Louis XIV dreamed of bringing glory to France and his dynasty, and he died believing that he had accomplished his goal. Louis XIV’s long reign marked the cultural ascendancy of France within Europe, symbolized by the Palace of Versailles.