Question

In 4 sentences, explain what absolute control is and how Louis XIV used it during his reign.

Answer 1

Absolute control refers to the centralized and unrestricted authority held by a ruler over every aspect of a nation's governance. Louis XIV, the king of France from 1643 to 1715, utilized absolute control extensively during his reign, earning him the title of "Sun King." He achieved this through various means, such as the establishment of a highly centralized government, where all decisions came directly from him. Louis XIV also weakened the power of the nobility by forcing them to live within the palace at Versailles, where he could closely monitor and influence their actions. Furthermore, he employed a vast network of spies to ensure his control over the entire kingdom, even in the most remote regions.