CP World Studies
Absolutism in France - Louis XIV, the “Sun King”
In this exercise, you are asked to explore the palace at Versailles to learn about the rule of Louis XIV of France. You will be asked some factual questions and will also be asked to draw some conclusions based on the information given. The goal is for you to get a feel for what royal life was like for this “absolute monarch.”
When you log in, go to http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage
Click on “Discover the Palace” at the right-hand side of the screen.
You should now be at “The Hall of Mirrors.”
What is the significance of the Hall of Mirrors, both then and later?
Notice the picture of the Hall of Mirrors on the left side of your screen (click on the image for a larger view). What motivation do you think would a person have to build such a room?
At the top of your screen click the image titled “The Royal Chapel” (it is three to the right of “The Hall of Mirrors”)
Why do you think Louis XIV felt is necessary to have a chapel located in the palace? How does this fit his title of absolute monarch?
Near the top of the page, click on “History.” Then, underneath that, click on “Court People.” You should be at the page, “Louis XIV, the Sun King.”
How old was Louis when he became king?
On the left side of your screen (under the picture of Louis XIV) click “From the residences of the King…”
One of the ways Louis XIV was able to consolidate power and control his nobles was to have them live at the palace. Why would a monarch such as Louis XIV find it this necessary?
Think back to the meaning of the term Renaissance man. In what ways could you argue that Louis XIV was a Renaissance man? Give specific examples.
Now click on “A monarch by divine law,” located under the image of Louis XIV.
What does the phrase, “a monarch by divine law” mean?
Why did Louis XIV choose the sun as his emblem? What are some of the comparisons he wanted to make between himself and Apollo, the Sun God?
At the top of the screen click on “History,” then, on the right side of the screen click on “A Day in Life of Louis XIV.” Read through the record king’s daily ritual.
How many people attended the “Grand Levee?”
It became more and more a special privilege to assist the Sun King with his daily rituals, including getting up in the morning, washing, combing, and dressing him. Why would a French noble compete for this “honor?”
Give a summary of what daily life consisted of, or what it was like, for Louis XIV.
As you may have noticed, the king had almost no privacy throughout his day. Why do you think this is so? How does this support absolutism?
Louis XIV was known for saying 'L'Etat, c'est moi,' meaning, “I am the State.” How is this statement a reflection of absolutism?
At the top of the page, click on the image titled “The Courtiers” (it is the one to the far right).
How many people went to Versailles on a daily basis?
If you were alive during the time of Louis XIV, would you have wanted to serve as a Courtier? Why or why not? (Hint: think about positives and negatives of serving in this role as you answer the question.)
Click on the image titled “Royal Tables” at the top of your screen.
What time did the evening meal begin?
Give a summary of the purpose and events of the “Grand (or French) Service.”
On the rest of this page, discuss at least three ways that Louis XIV used the palace at Versailles to enhance or strengthen his authority and power as an absolute monarch. Give facts to back your statements.