1. What do you think life was like for a noble at Versailles?
Answer :- From the beginning of Louis XIV's ambitions until the end of the French monarchy with Louis XVI, the Palace of Versailles was a haven of absolute luxury. The palace's social and political environment became wholly distinctive. At Versailles, two important political epochal movements were established: the first was toward Louis XIV's absolute monarchy, and the second was toward democracy following the French Revolution (McPhee 2017). Louis XIV was an impressionable young monarch who was haunted by the memories of the Fronde civil battles amongst the regional aristocracies.
2. How would you describe Louis XIV?
Answer :- Not only was Louis XIV's reign significant in the history of France because it lasted so long, but also because he was a resolute leader who was determined to compel his citizens to submit to him and establish his kingdom as the dominating force in Europe.
3. Why do you think that Louis acted as he did?
Answer :- The King was God's representation on earth since he was a sovereign by divine right. This is how his power was "absolute," which in Latin literally translates to "free of all restraints": the monarch had no one else to answer to except God. Louis XIV pledged to uphold the Catholic religion when he was crowned.
4. In what way(s) did his actions strengthen his power?
Answer :- Louis XIV persisted in his efforts to increase royal authority. By establishing a system of permanent intendants, one for each of the nation's provinces, he institutionalized Richelieu's strategy of ruling the provinces through appointed officials. The monarch had the authority to promote or remove the intendants, who were in charge of enforcing laws, collecting taxes, and informing the king on a regular basis about what was happening in their region. French citizens grew used to the king's constant rule over the entire nation. Louis limited the authority of the royal courts' parlements in 1673. Before they registered the new laws, they were not allowed to protest its provisions. As a result, the judges' power to thwart royal policy and sway the populace was significantly curtailed.
5. In what way(s) did his actions weaken his power?
Answer :- Louis XIV persisted in his efforts to increase royal authority. By establishing a system of permanent intendants, one for each of the nation's provinces, he institutionalized Richelieu's strategy of ruling the provinces through appointed officials. The monarch had the authority to promote or remove the intendants, who were in charge of enforcing laws, collecting taxes, and informing the king on a regular basis about what was happening in their region. French citizens grew used to the king's constant rule over the entire nation. Louis limited the authority of the royal courts' parlements in 1673. Before they registered the new laws, they were not allowed to protest its provisions. As a result, the judges' power to thwart royal policy and sway the populace was significantly curtailed.
6. What part of the King's routine do you think was the most interesting? Why?
Answer :-
Mornings :
8.30 am: "Sire, it's time to get up," said the First Valet de Chambre as he awoke the monarch. The First Doctor and First Surgeon paid a visit before the First Getting-Up Ceremony started. While the monarch was being bathed, combed, and shaved, members of the entourage, those with vital positions, and special acquaintances who cherished the honor of attending such times entered the King's Bedchamber one at a time. The spectacular getting-up ceremony, during which the king was clothed and enjoyed soup for breakfast, was then started when the Officers of the Chamber and of the Clothes Storehouse entered. The most significant members of the Court were permitted to attend this event, as well as the closest royal servants. There were probably approximately 100 onlookers, all of them were men.
10 am: At the King's Apartments egress, a procession gathered in the Hall of Mirrors. The King then crossed the State Apartments in front of his courtiers. The gathering that had collected along the road could now see the king for the first time. Some may have a quick conversation with him or pass him a letter. For the 30-minute long mass, the king sat on the tribune of the Royal Chapel. Every day, the "Chapel Music" choir, which was well-known across Europe, performed a brand-new composition by Lully, de Lalande, and other composers.