Louis XIV vs. Louis XV

Attribute	Louis XIV	Louis XV
Reign	1643-1715	1715-1774
Age at Ascension	4	5
Style of Rule	Absolutism	Enlightened Absolutism
Wars	Many, including the War of Spanish Succession	Less military involvement
Palace	Palace of Versailles	Expanded Palace of Versailles

Background

Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, reigned as the King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. He is often remembered for his long and powerful reign, as well as his efforts to centralize and strengthen the French monarchy. Louis XV, his great-grandson, succeeded him and ruled from 1715 to 1774. While both monarchs were part of the Bourbon dynasty, they had distinct personalities and approaches to governance.

Personality and Leadership Style

Louis XIV was known for his strong and authoritarian leadership style. He believed in the divine right of kings and ruled with absolute power. He famously declared, "L'État, c'est moi" (I am the state), emphasizing his belief in his own importance. In contrast, Louis XV was more laid-back and less interested in the day-to-day affairs of government. He preferred hunting and other leisure activities to the responsibilities of ruling.

Foreign Policy

Louis XIV was a skilled diplomat and military strategist. He waged numerous wars to expand French territory and influence, including the War of the Spanish Succession and the War of the Grand Alliance. His aggressive foreign policy made France a dominant power in Europe, but it also drained the country's resources and led to economic hardship. Louis XV, on the other hand, was less successful in his foreign policy endeavors. He struggled to maintain France's position as a great power and faced defeats in conflicts such as the Seven Years' War.

Domestic Policy

Louis XIV was a reformer who sought to centralize and modernize the French state. He established a system of intendants to oversee local administration and implemented mercantilist policies to boost the economy. Louis XV, on the other hand, was less focused on domestic affairs. He allowed corruption and inefficiency to flourish in his government, leading to discontent among the French people. His lack of attention to domestic policy contributed to the decline of the French monarchy.

Cultural Legacy

Both Louis XIV and Louis XV were patrons of the arts and played a significant role in shaping French culture. Louis XIV built the Palace of Versailles, a symbol of his power and grandeur, and supported artists and writers such as Molière and Racine. Louis XV continued this tradition of cultural patronage, commissioning works by artists like François Boucher and Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin. However, his reign was marked by a decline in artistic quality and innovation compared to the golden age of Louis XIV.

Legacy

Despite their differences in personality and leadership style, both Louis XIV and Louis XV left a lasting impact on France and its history. Louis XIV's reign is often seen as a period of grandeur and glory, while Louis XV's rule is remembered for its decline and instability. The contrast between the two monarchs highlights the complexities of monarchy and the challenges of ruling a powerful nation like France.