LouisXIV

    King Louis XIV was the most famous of the three French king's in the revolution. He was born on September 5, 1638 and was given the name, Dieudonne. His mother was Anne of Austria and his father was King Louis XIII. Louis XIV's mother was Spanish and his grandmother, Marie de Medicis, was Italian. So he was only one-quarter French and the rest of him was half Spanish and one-quarter Italian. So the most famous French King was hardly even French.

       Throughout LouisXIV's childhood estrangement between his father and mother and also his father's early death hurt his development. Many times he was neglected, and no one cared about his education, and was hardly taught how to read or write. But his mother found time to teach him in Catholic doctrine and devotion. Later on in his life he regretted not having knowledge of history. The only thing that was labored into his brain was honor and chivalry.

        When LouisXIV turned thirteen (September 7, 1651) a ceremony took place that was to mark the end of his minority. On March 9, 1661, the Cardinal died, and LouisXIV governed France till Septmeber 1, 1715. Even thought at the time he was only five feet five inches tall many people marveled at how handsome, well built, and robust he was. They were also fascinated that he was a good horseman, good dancer, and skillful jouster. All these qualities were just the right combination to capture a womans heart.

        In 1658, Louis fell in love with the beauty and charm of Marie Mancini and begged his mother to let him marry her. It wasnt till later that the war against Spain was undertaken to enforce the claim of the qeen. In 1672 he got formed an army against Holland. This gave him the Franche-Comte region and the majority of the forts in Flanders. In 1685, LouisXIV forced more than 200,000 Huguenots into exile and started the Camisards' revolt.

        Louis, in 1661 had spent $1000 million dollars to build the Versailles Palace. Unfortunately, in 1715, King LouisXIV "The Sun King" dead and left his country in debt from the money he spent to support the arts.