History Points On France Essay

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FRANCE AND THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
DEVELOPMENT OF FRANCE
France and England became the leading nations of exploration between 1500 and 1600
French explorers became allies with Native Americans in the New World (which explorers from other countries did not; e.g. Spain)
Gained knowledge of the land: the waterways, best animal trapping areas; learned agricultural practices from the Natives
Trading of furs became a BIG business for the French
France was focusing on expanding outside its borders as opposed to dealing with conflict within the nation
France was very disorganized due to many religious conflicts
Huguenots—Protestant group in France; VERY organized
Many religious wars occurred over a 100 year period, destroying France’s landscape
Money loss, depopulation, and much ruined soil that was used for farming
Between the years of 1550 and 1600, leadership of France switched between Catholic and Protestant control
There was no progressive change, only destruction, thus leaving France vulnerable to other countries
St. Bartholomew’s Day (Aug. 24th, 1572)
Catholics spontaneously massacred over 3,000 Huguenots
This event showed how chaotic France was at the time
HENRY IV
A descendant of Philip II of Spain, securing an alliance between France and Spain
A Huguenot; took control of France in 1585, bringing the ongoing chaos to an end
Established the Edict of Nantes
A law stating religious tolerance should and will be accepted
Law was accepted by the Huguenots, though it was initially rejected by the Catholics
To appease the Catholics, Henry IV CONVERTS TO CATHOLICISM
The Catholics then agreed to accept the Edict
Over the next 100 years, France majorly ruled by Catholics
Henry IV tries to rebuild a nation by:
1. Eliminating bureaucracy and installing a limited one
2. Redefining agriculture by changing farming techniques
3. Enforcing infrastructure: rebuilding roads, cities, towns, etc; France had to rebuild itself from the inside out
4. His own philosophy: he let his people know that he was going to rule with autocracy and the people supported it
Eventually, Henry IV is assassinated, thus leaving the throne to his son, Louis XIII
Louis XIII is 9 years old at the time (i.e., he is far too young to rule a nation)

*LOUIS XIII
Too young to independently rule France when he is installed as king; was sickly and could not be trusted to run the country BUT was the only heir
Looks to the church for help
Cardinal Richelieu
In his late 50’s, very set in his ways, hated all non-Catholics as well as the poor; saw no use for nobles
Trusted by Louis XIII explicitly and ruled France for 25 years (France REGRESSES in this time)
Did not abide by the Edict of Nantes—persecuted many Huguenots through the misuse of eminent domain: the seizure of property “for the better of a nation”
After Richelieu, Cardinal Marazin is installed into power
Synonymous to Richelieu in his ways of rule
Louis XIII eventually dies, although he had a son and the throne was legally passed on to Louis XIV
Louis XIV was about 6 years old at the time of his father’s death and also too young to rule France
LOUIS XIV
The Fronde
French word meaning “sling”
The people were completely fed up with Marazin’s ways of rule and decided to revolt
The population of the protest was mostly the middle-class
Protest became extremely violent
The Fronde had an impact on Louis XIV personally--- “trust no one”
At age 19, Louis XIV is sworn in as king and dismisses Marazin, taking full control of France
Ruled France for about 50 years
Spent money recklessly and ignored the needs of the people
Built the castle of Versailles
VERY expensive
Emphasized the spoils system: the idea of surrounding oneself with friends; used in government
Louivou: placed in charge of military, started many unnecessary wars
Colbert: placed in charge of finance, made many transactions that severely hindered France’s progression
Martinet: a severe drillmaster, made way to French conquest in the Holy Roman Empire
Disrupted the
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