Louis XIV

Real World Example

Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, was the King of France from 1643 to 1715 and is one of the most famous examples of an absolute monarch during the Age of Absolutism. He centralized power by controlling the nobility and expanded the Palace of Versailles as a symbol of royal power. Louis XIV's reign strengthened the idea of absolute monarchy, where the king held all the power, influencing how governments were structured in Europe. Today, his legacy can be seen in the way leaders and governments still grapple with balancing power and authority. For example, when people debate the role of government in personal lives, they are indirectly discussing ideas that trace back to Louis XIV's centralized rule.