Louis XIV (1638-1715) declared, "The state is me," and elevated France to a world power. He was the longest-reigning king in French history. When his father, Louis XIII, passed away when he was only four years old, the throne passed to Louis XIV. As a child barely able to stand, he, along with his mother and her close advisor and Italian Prime Minister, Cardinal Mazarin, took charge to ensure that such a vast state would not be left in the hands of a child. Until Louis XIV came of age, his mother and Cardinal Mazarin worked to strengthen the monarchy through their actions, angering the nobles and eventually leading to a major civil war. Fortunately, the skillful Mazarin quelled the rebellion. However, young Louis XIV was condemned to live with the fear of rebellion deeply ingrained in his subconscious. For this reason, he never allowed any opposition throughout his reign.
In the 1650s, Mazarin negotiated a peace treaty with Spain and, with his guidance, France became a significant power in Europe. Meanwhile, as Louis XIV matured, he married the daughter of the King of Spain, a political union. When Mazarin passed away in 1661, Louis XIV finally assumed full control. He declared, "I shall rule alone," and chose the sun as his symbol, stating, "I am the representative of God, and the power vested in the monarchy is my divine right." This is how Louis XIV became known as the "Sun King." His famous assertion, "The state is me," was a product of this monarchical approach.
Upon taking the reins of power, Louis XIV immediately implemented reforms in France and in overseas colonies to bring the economy under fiscal discipline. He reduced budget deficits, fostered industrial growth, and modernized the army. He skillfully outplayed the troublesome noble class, preventing them from causing unrest.
Later, in 1667, declaring, "This was given to my wife as part of her dowry," Louis XIV attacked Belgium in the War of Devolution. Subsequently, due to resistance from England, Sweden, and the Netherlands, Louis XIV returned Belgium to Spain. However, unresolved issues led to renewed conflict a few years later. Through this war, Louis XIV gained significant territories and began to shine as the most powerful ruler in Europe.
In a war that followed shortly after, sparked by nations unwilling to accept the situation, Louis XIV was brutally relentless. He attempted to intimidate the Spaniards through a psychological war, burning and destroying villages, sparing no one. However, an even greater challenge emerged from the east – the Ottomans. Yet, King Louis, by refusing the Holy Roman Empire, Austria, and Spain's desire to join the Holy Alliance, left them face to face with the Ottomans.
After emerging from the wars of 1678 as the most formidable country in Europe, and with aspirations of expanding into the heart of Germany, as well as his suppressions of Protestants and expansionist policies, various powers and countries, large and small, stood against France. This gave rise to the Grand Alliance. France engaged in a conflict with this formidable alliance for about a decade. While France preserved its territorial holdings, its resources were greatly diminished. After the death of the Spanish King Charles, who left behind a vast inheritance with no direct heir, two dynasties sought to claim the Spanish legacy. One was Louis XIV, and the other was the Habsburgs, or the Austrians. The Habsburgs, closely tied to Charles's father, Philip IV, were in line, but the primary heir was Louis XV. Therefore, in this situation, Louis XIV's mouth watered at the prospect of uniting the French and Spanish thrones, potentially disrupting the balance of power in Europe. However, shortly before his death, Charles changed his will, leaving the Spanish territories to Louis XIV's grandson, but stipulating that the thrones of France and Spain would not merge. He warned that if Louis XIV rejected these conditions, the throne would go to the Austrians. Of course, Louis XIV eagerly accepted the terms. The grand Spanish empire now belonged to his grandson.
Unable to accept this situation, the Holy Roman Empire, England, the Netherlands, and numerous duchies allied against France. This monumental global confrontation, considered the first world war, concluded with the Treaty of Utrecht, which is recognized as one of the architects of modern Europe. This resulted in the partitioning of Spain. Although Louis XIV's grandson ascended to the Spanish throne, a portion of the war spilled over into the colonies in North America. This prolonged series of conflicts ultimately led to famine in France, burdening the country with debt.
During his reign, warfare evolved into an art form. With the exception of the Bonaparte era, France's most famous marshals and commanders emerged during his time. He had a penchant for extravagance and luxury. The grand balls he hosted at the Palace of Versailles are legendary. Through eastern wars and successful diplomatic maneuvers, France secured its current eastern border.
Being a devout Catholic, Louis XIV ordered the destruction of Protestant churches, the closure of their schools, and the expulsion of clergy from the country. Almost a million Protestants lived in France at the time, and since many of them comprised the cream of society, their flight enraged Protestant neighbors. When Louis XIV passed away from gangrene at Versailles on August 28, 1715, just four days before his 77th birthday, his 70-year reign came to an end.
Additionally, Louis XIV received a proposal from an Italian chemist for the development of a biological weapon. He liked the invention and ensured that the chemist would be well-paid in exchange for keeping it a secret and not sharing it with anyone.
While leaving an indelible mark on France's culture, history, and destiny, Louis XIV, as a witness to historical developments, departed from the world after a life of war and extravagant living. It is known that he disliked water and bathing, having taken a bath only two or three times in his lifetime.
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