Even though this question is old I am still here to help. Louis XIV Assumes Control of France. After Mazarin's death in 1661, Louis XIV broke with tradition and astonished his court by declaring that he would rule without a chief minister. He viewed himself as the direct representative of God, endowed with a divine right to wield the absolute power of the monarchy.
Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, was the king of France from 1643 to 1715. During this time period, France was transformed into the most powerful state in Europe, and a leader in fashion, culture and luxury.
Part of the reason why this was possible was due to King Louis XIV and the success he had in acquiring and protecting his absolute power. This was done in various different ways.
One step that allowed King Louis XIV to increase his power was the centralization of power that he encouraged in France. This eliminated the last traces of feudalism and allowed Paris and the nobility to become more important. Much of the nobility moved to Paris, and many lived in the Palace of Versailles. This meant that the king was surrounded by all the important people of the country. It also pacified the aristocracy and ensured support for the king. Moreover, the king encouraged the adoption of Catholicism all over the country, which contributed to the unification of France and the stability of his regime.
