Louis XIV: his domestic and foreign policies Essay

Louis XIV strove cleverly for supremacy in foreign affairs. He was to use his foreign policy to establish a world-wide monarchy for himself or alternatively to use it to secure natural frontiers for France thus improving its defenses. He worked successfully to form an absolutist and centralized state. During his reign Louis was involved in four major wars, some of which Louis may be accountable as the provocateur however, I believe that mainly his motives were purely defensive. The war of Devolution served as a pretext which nettled him part of Flanders, although the Dutch then moved against him with the Triple Alliance. Louis was determined to closet Holland and this began the third of the Dutch wars, which depleted his treasury. Louis proved an incredibly extravagant sp block uper, dispensing huge sums of money to finance the regal court. The following ten years the king limited his policies to diplomacy. Louis continued the nobilitys exemption from taxes barely forced its member into financial dependence to the crown and the provincial nobles also lost political power.Louis does have a genuine concern for his country and despite his dubious methods he does manage to secure the territories that he wishes to secure. He curtailed local authorities and created specialized ministries. Louiss grandson retained the Spanish throne but the war of Spanish Succession left France in great debt and a weakened military. Louis used the bourgeoisie to anatomy his centralized bureaucracy. He illustrated new administrative methods to make him more in control. Louiss general Colbert worked to alter the French economy. Colbert worked to create a favorable balance of trade and increase Frances colonial holdings. He achieved a reputation for his work of improving the state of French manufacturing and bringing the economy back from the marge of bankruptcy.He reduced the national debt through more efficient taxation. His principal taxation devices included the aides, the douanes, the gabelle, and the taille. Louis worn-out(a) so much money on luxury and wars France actually became increasingly impoverished. The aggressive and opportunistic performance of Louiss policies understandably persuaded those threatened by it that the kings intention was expansionist and his intentions unlimited. There had been acts of needless violence as well which underlined the arrogance and ruthlessness of French conduct. In conclusion it seems that by the end of his reign the wars had placed him in a strong and secure position in Europe except his intention was not entirelyfor glory.