Louis XIV
Louis XIV (1638-1715). King of France from 1643, known as the Sun King for the glorious nature of his rule. The’ son of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, he became king at the age of five; his minister Cardinal Mazarin held power until Louis assumed total responsibility for ruling France in 1661. Under his minister Colbert he developed the economy and increased trade. The army was also strengthened and Louis engaged in several wars, extending the French borders and securing the Spanish throne for his grandson. He also patronized the arts and was responsible for the building of the magnificent palace at Versailles. Louis had a series of mistresses and many children. Following the death of his first wife, Maria Theresa, he secretly married the pious Madame de Maintenon, a former mistress. Louis XV (1710-74). King of France. He succeeded to the throne at only five years of age and during his minority the country was administered by the Duc d’Orleans and Cardinal Fleury. Following Fleury’s death (1744), Louis attempted. to rule alone but was dominated by his mistresses, especially Madame de Pompadour, to whom he gave away large sums of his country’s money. His reign saw defeat in the Seven Years’ War (1756-63) and left France on the verge of bankruptcy, paving the way for the French Revolution.
