Chapter 1: Louis XV As King Flashcards
In what ways did Louis XIV leave a difficult inheritance for his grandson?
Admired
Conqueror of Europe
Versailles court Origen around him
Why did courtiers take such a dislike to Madame Pompadour (Louis XV’s mistress)?
Middle class aristocrat
Louis’ affair considered scandalous as a result
Why was Louis XV’s foreign policy unpopular?
Public thought he was abandoning his success
Peace deal with Austria (enemies)
Handed back most territory just won for him
What was the deer park?
How did it damage Louis XV?
Private tavern in town of Versailles
Underage girls shipped from Paris for Louis
Press make it seem more scandalous
Public not in his favour after foreign policy
What were the consequences of the 7 years war during Louis XV’s reign?
Lost Canada, Caribbean (mostly), India
France lost all pretence to becoming a global superpower
Louis couldn’t like up to predecessor so his away on Versailles
What seems to have been Louis XV’s relationship with ideas of the enlightenment?
Still believed homself to be absolute ruler
Burnt many books (first encyclopaedia)
Thought it unorthodox
How did Louis XV want to reform the parlements?
Free justice
Judges appointed by the crown for life (not by their position)
What can we learn from reaction to the news of Louis XV’s death?
Thought to have caught it from a prostituite
Timely punishment
Now one cared at Versailles
Celebration for population who had fallen out of love with him
In what ways did Louis XV leave a difficult inheritance for his grandson Louis XVI?
Could monarchy recover from harm caused?
Memory of a corrupt, un-grand man
