DBQ4-99

DOCUMENT # 1

Such was the central government of France in the period of 1661 to 1683. It is necessary to remind oneself that most of its actual work was performed in committees, subcommittees of the councils, and in the bureaus functioning under the various ministers.

The duchess of the king was carried to the kingdom by the "Sovereign" parliaments. The chief of these parliaments...was that at Paris. The natural head, excluding the king of all these courts was the chancellor of France...

The financial administration of the kingdom, was carried on by the intendants with their subordinates.

During the personal reign of Louis XIV, these powers were even more organized and the monarchy assumed the form which was retained almost to the end of the ancien regime.

Under the regime of Colbert and Louis XIV, the intendant assumed the part of delegate administrator in the most obscure sections that the royal power penetrated.....The intendants were the legal "eyes" of the monarchy.

Science and Rationalism in the Government of Louis XIV, by James E. King

DOCUMENT # 2

His word nor his oath

Cannot bind him to troth

He values not credit nor history;

And though he has served now

Two ‘prenticeships through

He knows not his trade nor his mystery

satirical poem regarding Charles I, (1674)
Anonymous

DOCUMENT # 3

Louis XIV's vanity was without limit or restraint;....The King's great qualities shone more brilliantly by reason of and exterior so unique and incomparable as to lend an infinite distinction to his slightest actions; the very figure of a hero, so impregnated with a natural but most imposing majesty that it appeared even in his most insignificant gestures and movement, without arrogance but worth simple gravity;...He was as dignified and majestic in his dressing gown as when dressed in robes of state or on horseback at the head of his troops.

He excelled in all sorts of exercise and liked to have every facility for it. No fatigue nor stress of weather made any impression on that heroic figure and bearing;...he was always the same...

...A voice whose tones corresponds with the rest of his person; the ability to speak well and to listen to with quick comprehension; much reserve of manner adjusted with exactness to the quality of different persons;...

....In whatever did not concern what he believed to be his rightful authority and prerogative, he showed a natural kindness of heart and a sense of justice which made one regret the education, the flatteries, the artifice which resulted in preventing him from being his real self except on the rare occasions when he gave way to some natural impulse and shoed that...he loved truth, justice, order, reason...

Saint Simon, 1746

DOCUMENT # 4

King Charles, was temperate and chaste and serious; so that the fools and bawds, mimicks and Catamites of the former court grew out of fashion, and the nobility and courtiers, who did not quite abandon their debosheries had yet their reverence to the king to retire into corners to practice them. Men of learning and ingenuity in all arts were in esteeme, and received encouragement from the king, who was a most excellent judge and a great lover of paintings carvings and many other ingenuities....

Lucy Hutchinson, 1645

DOCUMENT # 5

I made a beginning by casting my eyes over all the different parties in the state with a glance of experience carefully watching what the occasion and the state of affairs will permit...Everywhere was disorder, my court as a whole was still very far removed from the sentiments in which I can trust you will find it. There was no governor of a city who is not difficult to govern...the finances were entirely exhausted.

I laid a rule on myself to work regularly twice every day. There was no moment when I did not permit people to talk to me, provided they were urgent.

The function of the king consist principally in allowing good sense to act...I have never failed to impress upon you the great respect you should have for religion.

Louis XIV's letters to his heirs

DOCUMENT # 6

A second remonstrance is preparing for me to take away the profit of my tonnage and poundage. I command you all that are here to take notice of what I have spoken, one of the houses of Parliament...have any power either to make or declare a law without my consent.

Charles I's speech at Progation of Paul, 1628

DOCUMENT # 7

Posterity owes them an eternal debt of gratitude for the examples they have given, even when their achievements have been surpassed, and this well deserved glory is their only reward it was certainly the love of this source of glory that inspired Louis XIV when, as soon as he began to govern for himself, he set out to reform his kingdom, embellish his court and perfect the arts.

Not only did he impose upon himself the duty of working regularly with each one of his ministers but any man of repute could obtain the private audience with him, every citizen was free to pre sent him with petitions and projects.....The projects were examined in the counsel when they deserved it and their authors were more than once admitted to discus their proposals with the ministers in the King's presence. In this way Louis XIV's absolute power, the nation could still communicate with monarch.

From Voltaire's The Age of Louis XIV, 1751

DOCUMENT # 8

Whereas it is notorious that Charles Stuart, the now King of England, not content with those many encroachments which his predecessors had made upon the people in their rights and freedoms, have had a wicked design totally to subvert the ancient and fundamental laws and liberties of this nation, and in their place to introduce an arbitrary and tyrannical government, and that besides all other evil ways and means to bring this design to pass he has prosecuted it with fire and sword, levied and maintained a cruel war in the land against Parliament and the kingdom....and treasonable offenses the said Charles Stuart might long sense justly have been brought to the exemplary....punishment.

...Resolved,... and this house doth declare, that the office of a king in this nation...is unnecessary, burdensome, and dangerous to the liberty, safety, and public interest of the people of this nation, and therefore ought to be abolished, and that and act be brought into that purpose.

From The Journals of the House of Commons, February 7, 1649

DOCUMENT # 9

I will either be a glorious king or a patient martyr, and as yet not being the first, nor at the present apprehending the other, I think it now no unfit time to express my resolution to you, one thing more....the failing to one friend hath indeed gone very near me; wherefore I am resolved that no consideration whatsoever shall ever make me do the like....

from Charles I in Oxford, 1642