Background Louis XIV

 Background:

Louis XIV, the "Sun King"

(active 1661-1715)

arrives at a time when...

By Maurice Leloir in Le Roy Soleil by Gustave Toudouze (Combet et Cie), 1931

...the economy, demography and victorious war let France dominate the Continent, and an ascendant bourgeoisie backs the monarchy's successful effort to bring the nobility to heel.

The first decades of his reign (roughly 1660-1690) are so brilliant that the French call the whole 17th century "the Great Century." Then wars of choice almost brings the kingdom to its knees.

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