Louis XIV, also known as the "Sun King," had the longest reign in the entire history of Europe: it spanned seventy years. During its duration, many alterations occurred in French society. The boundaries of France were expanded. Louis developed his absolutist policy and there was a decline in the power of the nobility. Louis helped promote the arts by subsidizing the great artists and literary figures of the time period. He directly contributed to advances in science and industry.

At the age of four, Louis succeeded his father on the throne. After the death of Mazarin, Louis decided to rule without a chief minister because he wanted to control his own government. To enforce his new policy, he excluded all members of his immediate family from his council. This was an extremely bold move for Louis to make. By doing so he alienated his entire family, including his mother.

During the reign of Louis, unrealistic spending habits and numerous wars put a great strain on France’s economy. The financial standing of France appeared to be bleak and dwindling. Louis caused France’s bankruptcy problems. In order to solve this problem, Louis developed a tax policy in attempt to offset the added expenses. Louis attempted to free France from its economic problems, but failed. The Nobles and clergy members were not taxed at this time and remained unaffected by the increase in taxes while the members of the working class were excessively taxed. This caused economic hardship and discontent among members of this lower class.

Louis believed that Protestants should not be allowed to practice their own faith because he felt that this minority would be harmful to his political authority. Louis aimed at converting all Protestants to Catholicism. To accomplish his goal, Louis revoked the Edict of Nantes. He reestablished Catholicism as the sole religion in France. Next, he issued the Edict of Fountainebleau. This persuaded thousands of individuals to convert to Catholicism. It also gave Louis the power to destroy Protestant churches and schools. Many Protestants fled from this religious persecution. Although it was forbidden to leave France, more than 200,000 Protestants left seeking religious freedom. Louis did not realize the problems his action would create for his people. Without these vital workers, the economy floundered. Widespread famine occurred due to the policy of religious intolerance that Louis avidly supported.

Louis enacted an expansionist policy which supporters believe greatly helped France increased its land holdings. Also, numerous wars added on to the land holdings of the French. The War of Devolution, Dutch War, War of the League of Augsburg, and War of Spanish Succession were the products of this policy. Louis gained control of Flanders, Franche-Comté, and Strasbourg. These four major wars gave France the opportunity to conquer new lands. They also left France with an extensive array of defense frontiers, which were extremely useful. These frontiers allowed the army to become independent from the land. Food production levels were very high at this time and the threat of contaminating areas with the plague ended.

In 1667 Louis enacted a tariff policy without causing devastating effects on taxpaying citizens. This policy helped compensate for the large economic losses that were due to the wars by fostering improvements in trade and international business. Many improvements occurred due to this aggressive new policy that positively benefited the people of France. Imports and exports were carefully organized to yield maximum profits. A program of improvements in communications benefited industries dealing with luxury products. The Canal du Midi was constructed, linking the Atlantic with the Mediterranean, and allowing trading routes to improve.

Louis believed that he held the crown by Divine Right. He thought that God had entrusted him with this heavy responsibility. Louis took his job very seriously. He considered himself to be on the same level as God. His beliefs allowed him to be a strong and powerful leader.

Louis referred to himself as the "Sun King" to stress his central role in the French government and other affairs. To a large extent, the king governed France alone. At this time in history the sun was thought to be the center of the universe. Louis believed that he was the focal point for all activities concerning France’s well being. By keeping his power centralized, Louis was able to retain control. He divided his power only when it was an absolute necessity. Due to this he kept the operations of the French government and economy under his close supervision. He was able to strengthen his dominating power and remain a strong and active political figure throughout most of his reign.

Louis greatly contributed to the age of enlightenment in France. He was a dazzling and magnificent king that influenced much of France’s culture. Louis was a patron of the arts. He is to be thanked for the complete refurbishing of the Louvre. He developed the glorious palace of Versailles. This palace was created by the teamwork of artists, painters, garden designers, architects, and water engineers. An extensive fountain system was installed. Louis felt that it was important to construct attractive buildings. He spent much of France’s income on hiring architects and artists in order to make the perfect decorations for his gorgeous hunting lodge.

Numerous academies of the arts and sciences were created to expand learning. The scientific revolution flourished and advances in biology, chemistry, and physics occurred. National networks of hôpitauux généraux, also known as charitable hospitals, were constructed in order to help the poor and sick. They helped confine patients that were considered dangers to themselves and society. Almost two hundred institutions were created to help more than 100,000 people. One of the main purposes was to provide the poor with the basic necessities in order to survive.

During the reign of Louis XIV many changes took place in France involving the arts and culture that were beneficial. The history of France was greatly influenced by this patron of the arts. Louis, an avid art collector, is responsible for many of the wondrous art and architectural treasures that remain in France today. He is responsible for the restoration of the Louvre and the creation of Versailles, an elaborate castle. An extensive fountain system was developed specifically for this castle.

The land holdings of France increased and defense barriers were created. Many improvements occurred in trade due to the construction of the Canel du Midi and the tariff policy that Louis adopted. Numerous academies and hospitals were built. The strong leadership skills that this devoted king practiced helped lead to the creation of an efficient and well-regulated government.