Monarchs of Europe: King Sun Louis XIV

Better known as the sun king, Louis XIV ruled France in times of great turmoil and conflict. He was born in 1638. Louis was the son of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. Louis changed his father on the throne at the age of four, but the country was ruled by his mother as a regent, until Louis could take on the role of king. Because of her frivolous attitude towards Louis, to his upbringing, they were mainly engaged in servants. The child had a difficult childhood. The royal family was repeatedly evacuated from Paris, there were times when they lived in prison, in fear and poverty. These experiences, cold, hunger and humiliation determined the course of government of Louis when he ascended the throne.

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In 1660, at the age of 22, Louis married the daughter of King Philip IV of Spain. His marriage with Marie-Terese was purely political, in order to consolidate the peace treaty on the Thirty Years' War. Louis was preparing a political basis for his personal government by France and was broadly his free relations with women. Devotion to his wife was not inherent in him. The rules of France Louis XIV are quite long, from 1643 to 1715.

It is believed that kings often allow their ministers to actually manage their countries. Cardinal Mazarin was the chief minister at Father Louis and continued to rule the country, while Louis's mother was the regent. However, when Mazarin died in 1661, Louis took personal control over the monarchy and assumed the duties of chief minister. Louis believed in the divine right of kings, therefore he broke the established tradition and established an absolute monarchy, managing innovations and creating many new laws. Changes were made in the judicial structure, law enforcement agencies, taxes, tariffs, fiscal policy, trade, import, production, military administration.

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Louis was the patron of the arts and created the Academy of Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Science, Philosophy and Music. Artisans were invited to France from all over Europe. In Paris, for a lot of money, the Louvre art museum was built. At Versailles, Luis turned his hunting property into a wonderful palace, a park and gardens, which today still delight and attract tourists.

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During the reign of King Louis XIV there were five wars. France increased with the conquest of territories on the borders with the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Italy and Austria. Although France participated in the battles, during his reign Louis managed to establish stability in the country. At that time, France was the leading power in Europe.

King Louis XIV died shortly before his 77th birthday, he was succeeded by a five-year-old great-grandson, who became Louis XV. All his other heirs, including his son, grandson and elder grandson, died during the lifetime of King Louis XIV. King Louis XIV ruled 72 years. In history, he left his mark as the creator of an absolute monarchy, he carried out extensive reforms of laws and government, promoted the development of art and culture and many personal innovations as a king.