Key Terms – France in the 17th

North America Tariffs War of Spanish Succession Treaty of Utrecht Phillip V Key Terms – France in the 17th • Louis XIV • The Fronde • Palace at Versailles • Absolutism • Jean Baptiste Colbert • Mercantilism • Balance of Trade • Imports • Exports

Louis XIV (1643-1715) • Also known as the Sun King • Was king at an early age → guided by Cardinal Mazarin and his mother Anne • Would be known as a king of luxury and extravagance • Was considered an absolutist

The Fronde • Series of riots and rebellions against the legislation of Cardinal Mazarin was known as the Fronde • Fronde = slingshot • Riots threatened the life of Louis XIV → led him to abandon Paris

Palace at Versailles • As a result of the incidents involving the Fronde, Louis XIV constructs the Palace at Versailles • It is considered an object of extravagance with its grand halls and in some cases gold ceilings • Louis XIV would rule from his palace and rarely visit Paris as a result

Absolutism • In a similar fashion as that of Charles I of England, Louis XIV was considered an absolute ruler • Absolutism → complete rule and authority without question over a region or territory • Absolutism became the preferred system of government after the Wars of Religion in Europe as people sought rulers who could command and control countries with an 'iron fist'. • This allowed rulers to operate without obstacles.

Jean Baptiste Colbert • Minister of Finance in France • Was hired by Louis XIV to reform the French economic system to turn profit • Colbert decided that the best system to use was that of the Portuguese and Spanish, mercantilism

Balance of trade → idea that a country should export more goods than it imports. Imports → goods that are brought in and sold from other countries Exports → goods that are produced in the home country and sold to others To maintain balance of trade, exports were usually taxed to prevent their overconsumption. These taxes were called tariffs. Mercantilism • Mercantilism is an economic system in which a country uses colonies as a source for raw materials and as a market for sale of goods. • A mercantilist economy requires: • A strong navy • Balance of trade • Economic safeguards that ensure balance of trade such as tariffs.

Benefits of Mercantilism • The mercantilist economy led to the creation of an overseas French empire. • With the construction of this empire came added responsibilities and concerns but also vast amounts of wealth. • This new overseas empire would also lead to a desire by Louis XIV to construct a strong land empire. • Louis XIV would attempt to use political alliances to build a strong French land empire within Europe.

Mercantilism - Map

War of Spanish Succession • Louis' attempts to take over areas of Europe began to throw off balance of power in Europe. • Philip V of Spain, also the grandson of Louis XIV, would be in line to succeed as king of Spain • European countries sought to block this succession to prevent a union between Spain and France

War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) • European nations would join together to form what was called the Grand Alliance to block the succession. • The war would have many battles won by the Grand Alliance almost forcing Louis XIV to give in until he was presented with unfavorable terms. • Louis XIV would continue the war until an agreement would be reached between the warring nations.

Treaty of Utrecht -Treaty of Utrecht would ultimately end the War of Spanish Succession - It stipulated: - Philip V can retain the Spanish throne but cannot follow Louis XIV as the French king - France would relinquish modern day Belgium and New France to the British

Key Terms – France in the 17th