Louis XIV, often referred to as the "Sun King," epitomized the concept of absolute monarchy. He believed in the divine right of kings, asserting that his authority was granted directly by God. To consolidate power, he famously centralized government operations in the Palace of Versailles, forcing nobles to live there so he could monitor and control their activities. Louis XIV took direct control of the state's administration and military, sidelining the traditional nobility. His ability to dictate governmental decisions was evident in his appointment of ministers who were loyal to him rather than from noble families. He also controlled French culture and politics, symbolically emphasizing his power through lavish court ceremonies and patronage of the arts. His reign is marked by significant territorial expansion through wars (such as the War of the Spanish Succession) aimed at increasing French influence in Europe. However, these wars drained the treasury and planted seeds of discontent among the populace, leading to economic instability that would later challenge the monarchy.

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Louis XIV, known as the "Sun King," was a king who believed he got his power from God. To make sure he was in charge, he moved the government to a huge palace called Versailles and made the nobles live there so he could keep an eye on them. He ran the government and military himself and chose helpers who were loyal to him instead of nobles. Louis XIV also influenced French culture and politics through elaborate court ceremonies and by supporting the arts. He fought in several wars, like the War of the Spanish Succession, to make France bigger and stronger, but these wars cost a lot of money and made people unhappy, which later led to problems for the monarchy.