Louis XIV Biography: Louis XIV, born on September 5, 1638, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, and also known as “Louis the Great” and “The Sun King,” ruled France and Navarre from 1643 until his demise. His tenure was the longest in the history of Europe, lasting 72 years. In fact, it was the longest reign for which historical evidence exists in the annals of humanity! Louis XIV was one of the architects of the increasing centralization of power during the era of European absolute monarchy for which he is famous. Today, we will help you celebrate the birth of this significant historical figure by providing you with fascinating information about him.
Louis XIV Birthday
Louis XIV was born in 1638 to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, who had been married for more than two decades. Consequently, some historians do not believe that he was Louis XIII’s offspring. In addition to the traditional title of Dauphin, Louis XIV was also given the title of Premier Fils de France. The second offspring of Louis XIII and Anne was Philip I, who became the Duke of Orléans. However, King Louis XIII lacked confidence in the Queen and prevented her from acquiring sway over the kingdom at all costs. When the King died in 1643, however, Anne became regent. As regent, she delegated all state powers to the Italian cardinal Giulio Mazzarino, who was despised by the majority of the French nobility.
With the conclusion of the Thirty Years’ War, the French Fronde broke out. The Cardinal continued the centralization of power begun by his predecessor, Cardinal Richelieu, and attempted to expand the power of the crown at the expense of the nobility by levying a tax on members of parliament, i.e., the high clergy and nobility. Louis XIV and his entourage fled the city, and a revolt broke out in Paris as a result. With the signing of the Peace of Westphalia, the unrest subsided and the crown regained control over the army. This was followed by the Peace of Rueil, which temporarily terminated the conflict.
Louis XIV ascended the throne at the age of 13 when his mother’s regency terminated. However, Cardinal Mazzarino remained in charge of state affairs until his death in 1661. The King’s council included notable individuals such as Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Hugues de Lionne, and Francois-Michel le Tellier. Because none of these individuals belonged to the highest aristocracy, the government was dubbed the “Kingdom of the petty bourgeoisie.” When Louis XIV came to power, the treasury was on the precipice of insolvency because he lavishly funded the royal court. The King supported the arts with a portion of the treasury. During the tenure of Louis XIV, the Canal du Midi was constructed, which connects the Mediterranean and the Atlantic and was crucial to the economic development of France, Europe, and the world, as well as the Industrial Revolution.
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Louis XIV Net Worth, Height
Name | Louis Dieudonne |
Nickname | Louis The Great, Sun King |
Birth date | September 5, 2022 |
Death date | September 1, 1715 (age 307) |
Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Height | 6′ 1″ |
Louis XIV Biography: 5 SURPRISE FACTS
In his honour, the French territory in the United States was named the Louisiana Territory.
Due to the fact that it took his parents over 20 years to have him, they named him Louis-Dieudonné (gift from God) and he fervently believed this to be true.
The King wore clogs with heels and enormous wigs to make himself appear taller.
Nicolas Fouquet, his finance minister, was apprehended by the three musketeers under D’Artagnan’s command.
Louis XIV inhabited Versailles from 1671 until his demise.