Louis XIV: Sun King of France

www.tomrichey.net/euro
Mr. Richey introduces students to Louis XIV, the "Sun King" of France, and his creation of an absolute monarchy in France. Louis XIV's accomplishments are discussed within the context of his motto, "One King, One Law, One Faith." This lecture is designed primarily for students preparing for the AP European History exam, but can inform students in other courses and lifelong learners, as well.

[@jomaridelapaz3404]

The only thing that went through my mind the entire video was...... How is your arm not getting tired bruh

[@tomrichey]

From holding the tea so long? lol I've learned to give myself a space to set it down in the intervening two years.

[@RachaelMarieNewport]

@@tomrichey your daughter here is so precious

[@MrHide59]

The lily flower is a symbol of the Virgin Marie, to which the kingdom was devoted, as you show, it wasn't supposed to show virility or whatever else. The number 3 refers to the Trinity, France was seen as a very catholic country at the time (since Saint Louis at least). Great video anyway, even if I'm french, it is always interresting to see good history videos on YT.

[@claudiapacheco9890]

Thank you so much! You have taught me just in a few videos things that I could not absorb in the textbook. This makes studying for my AP Euro test a lot less stressful..

[@juliam.1669]

I love how up to date these videos are with what we're learning!!! Thank you! It helps so much!

[@ChocoLickCookies]

when he says Francois i was forgettable, i think he meant in terms of the Ap european course, since we really don't need to know much about him for the test he's "forgettable" these videos he makes are for his ap euro students to review, don't get butthurt.

[@josetorres6392]

True, I got a 3 page paper on louis and absolutism, not all these other rulers

[@yelly11]

SHANGHAI i can't escape Jackson whatever I watch.. cool dp chingu ♡♡

[@ChocoLickCookies]

Jelena thank you, i like your dp too i love dean lol

[@stormbringer2840]

I don't think He is forgettable because he was the direct rival of Charle quint who was at the time the roman emperor .

[@antiochussoter377]

Francis forgettable , who lost in Pavia (1525)?

[@jesskaii8484]

I'm not fluent in French history nor near a history majors person, but I'm pretty sure King Louis the 14th kept the aristocracy in Versailles because he wanted to keep a watchful eye on them at all times. Other than that I think I'm pretty sure that France had won a war against the Spanish which led him to magnify Versailles.

[@tomrichey]

And you are quite correct regarding Louis' motives for getting the nobles to attend him at Versailles!

[@narreddarr8092]

Jessie Romanov actually, Charles II of Spain, who handed over the Spanish throne - in effect - to French hegemony was a man who suffered from great depression, possibly mainly due to his features, he may also have had a slight hump, but his jaw was so large that he couldn't chew his food properly, had a quite a few maladies and was known to sleep in the crypt amongst his ancestors sometimes as he wished for death. as Charles II died childless, his will and testament basically offered Louis a chance to unite France and Spain, making France an unstoppable power. Louis' first act after hearing of this was to send military aid to the Spanish Netherlands to block the protestant use of maritime trade. Queen Anne of England [ after William's death in 1702] put Marlborough in charge of English forces in europe and, with Prinz Eugen , they defeated a large French and Bavarian force at Blenheim [after a few large battles before then] effectively taking Bavaria out of the war of Spanish succession. i don't believe France had a war with Spain tho it is true to say up until Marlsborough and Pinz Eugen's victories against them, Louis' forces had enjoyed battle successes for so long it came as a terrible shock to lose so many of his vaunted fighting forces in such a short time.

[@harrietharlow9929]

That's correct. To further keep them from plotting, he decided upon and designed the elaborate etiquette at Versailles. Fun fact: in period-correct movies, people are shown scratching at a door rather than knocking (see the movie "Valmont"). It was Louis XVI who instituted this custom because he disliked knocking.

[@mayrodneir7496]

Lol so many comments about the exact same thing... Francois I wasn't forgettable blah blah blah, do people even bother to check whether or not someone has already commented what they want to say? I mean a simple like of someone else's comment would suffice to voice your concurrence. I don't think Tom was saying he wasn't influential or anything, just cracking a joke that you don't need to worry about them GIVEN THE TOPIC IS LOUIS XIV. This is actually true for AP history and many history courses all over the world: if you know about Louis XIV, XV and XVI; the revolution and the wars of religion you pretty well have the ancien regime sorted in most pre-university history courses that cover France, and Tom has actually specifically covered nearly all of these things in detail and with informative context! Cut out all the butt hurt, insults and sense of entitlement: this is an awesome free resource and Tom is a kickass, fun and instructive teacher. If one off the cuff line in an entire video offends you that gosh dang much, you know, you could always get your history info exclusively from a book. Funnily enough you're here though? Isn't that interesting. Are you sure you're not just looking for the first excuse to try to sound smart at the expense of complaining about a good thing? Worst of all are these muppets saying "I am outta here!" as if anyone is going to mourn the departure of their whiny, self-entitled self; good riddance, I say.

[@SannyPrabhakar]

Who would actually read all of this

[@carleymillette9338]

Helped me study for a diagnostic assessment of how Louis XIV was an absolute monarch. Thanks :)

[@sweetcandy937]

thank you!!! the test is tomorrow and this comprehensive yet entertaining review is essential for a five!!!!

[@qweric4]

I just want to say, im watching this the day before the euro exam and this is really helping me, THANK YOU

[@pamtime22]

My gggggg grandparents were some of the French Huguenots that settled in America. I visited Chateau Versailles in 2013. Beautiful place even now.

[@gracemathews5956]

Your videos are a lifesaver whenever I have an AP Euro test! Thank you!

[@tomrichey]

+Grace Mathews You're welcome!

[@wal7599]

Francis I was not a forgettable king, the Chales Quint's rival was very important for politic of France's Renaissance with the modernization of his country and with french-ottoman alliance, Canada colonization or the War of Italy...He is probably with Luis XIV and Henry IV the most important french king (there are'nt Clovis,Charles Martel and Charllemagne because they was franks and kings/emperor of the Franks Kingdom/Holy Roman Empire) PS : Congrulation it's a great video ! (and sorry for my bad english but it's like your french XD)

[@benenuts5202]

+Wal let's not forget St Louis IX and especially his grandfather Philip II Augustus.

[@wal7599]

Jet B I had not understand sorry XD ! So, yes I can imagine that Francis I is forgettable in a lot of other countries school programs , it's normal :D !

[@kylevanderlaan7837]

Philip II was not a forgotten king, oh no he was not indeed. He was a Spanish king who had created the Spanish Armada in which he tried to take over England and although he failed he will be remembered for the Armada.

[@mojojim6458]

Philip II Augustus was a French king. The guy you're talking about was a Spanish king. Different king, different name, different country, different century.

[@crazyjkz]

Wal I was thinking the same thing. Francis I was certainly not a forgettable king, he was a very important king in French history and helped to transform France into a modernized state. He also ushered in the French Renaissance in which art, mathematics, science, poetry, and literature began to flourish in France at an accelerated pace. Also there were other French kings prior to Francis I that were not only strong-willed and very effective but made lasting contributions to the modern French state, a few of them that come to mind are Louis XI, Philip II, Louis IX, Charles V, and Philip IV. Particularly Louis XI, although his personal character was quite questionable, he undeniably made many long-lasting contributions to France and he single-handedly did more than probably any one king had ever done in laying the foundation to the modern French state and removing any remnants of feudalism that still lingered in France during the 1400's. Philip II also did much to strengthen the French monarchy and worked hard to turn France into a powerful & modern kingdom. He also had to overcompensate for many weak & ineffective Capetian French kings that came before him that brought the kingdom to an overall very poor condition.

[@nightfury5993]

That noble at 6:30 was GRAND CONDE one of my favouriet Frenchh generals with Napoleon!!!

[@lesliepescod_9918]

thank you so much , this video literally saved my life. Everything I read now makes much more sense. You are AWESOME!

[@martialaw566]

Y'know I keep reading all these criticisms on historical accuracy and pronounciation, which is good for clarifying and learning more, but I just want to say thank you for making these videos for someone who just wants to pass Euro class. Especially making sense of the confusing intermarriages and political stuff that gets glossed over in the textbook (which in itself is hard to read). Thank you, and I hope you have a wonderful day.

[@tomrichey]

+Martia con Muttlesput Thank you for these kind words. Some folks forget that it's a written test. Glad I can help you in Euro!

[@00gabbs00]

I wish every history teacher was like you! Very engaging video, thank you

[@00gabbs00]

Made me go make a tea at the same time too haha

[@karinagencheva6459]

very clear, very right to the point, very entertaining videos, I watch them before every History test!

[@josielandry2615]

very helpful. Im doing a final tomorrow about all the rulers you mentioned. thanks.

[@RogerKlauser]

Thanks Tom, you daaa man. I have my history final in an hour and your video helped.

[@taylorherrington6961]

Your video have helped me so much with my history project on Louis XIV Thank You!

[@stefanradulovic8317]

You say you have a video of Louis' XIV wars. Do you? I can't find it and really want to watch it.

[@ryanstoffko5195]

You get one opportunity Mr. Richey.... so far..... excellent!

[@cristineambas4143]

I love the discussion, it makes the lesson easier thank you, Sir!

[@jonathanstempleton7864]

2021 and I'm catching up on all your videos 🙂

[@TheCatiebrownie]

I'm in college and this is probably for high school students, but you are one of the best teachers I have seen! Thank you for these amazing videos. Your students are lucky! I wish half my teachers had the enthusiasm you do!

[@tomrichey]

Catie Brown Thanks! I actually make these specifically for my AP courses and try to make them useful both to AP students and to college students taking survey courses in history. I'm glad I'm having a little success in the college market!

[@fcalvaresi]

You never heard about Philip Augustus who put an end to the Angevin Empire ? Saint-Louis (there is even a city named after him in the U.S) who made France the dominant European power ? Philip the Fair who destroyed the Templar knights ? Francis I who initiated French Renaissance and fought against Charles V and Henry VIII ?

[@fcalvaresi]

Proud To Be British Philip was not as good as a military commander than Richard, however he was a better politician. He strengthened a lot his realm and France became the most powerful European power of the thirteenth century mainly thanks to him. Notice also that Philip won the battle of Bouvines, a major battle in Western Europe history, he was far for being bad in battle.

[@fcalvaresi]

Proud To Be British Probably ! I am happy to see you proud of the Frenchmen who ruled your country ;)

[@stormbringer2840]

This slice of paradise This sacred throne of Kings And didn't speak a word of english .

[@aaronpaul9188]

that "one noble" going up bowing the staircase was Louis II, prince of Conde, also know as "The great Conde" he was a cousin of Louis XIV, and arguably the finest general of his era. he opposed the King during the fronde, and fought for spain, who involved themselves in the war. this is after peace was being made, when Louis, Prince of Conde, asks for and gets the forgiveness of Louis XIV, and is accepted back into his service. he never rebels again and dies on of the great french generals of history.

[@tomrichey]

Good to know, my friend!

[@markgable101]

so if you think about it Napoleon was very like Louis the sun king. A sort of lite version.

[@aaronpaul9188]

Mark Gable not really. Loouis XIV wasnt a general, Napoleon was. Louis's talent was in maximizing resources and building a very effective administration. Napoleon was able to combine these traditions and developments with his own martial brilliance to conquer europe. Louis centralized france, and weakened the nobility, make france the most modern state and strongest monarchy in europe.

[@markgable101]

Aaron Paul​ Why did napoleon crown himself emporer then ? Similar to Hitler power without checks leads to megalomania..... Common people cannot handle power. It's like giving a teenager a powerful sports car. They will kill themselves inevitably. A king is born to rule. He is trained from birth. He knows instinctively duty and service. The British were the first to abolished the monarchy but restored it because what came about was tyranny, corruption and megalomanical. The British introduced constitutional monarchy. France was about to do the same but the agitators where hungry for power and have never been stable since. 

[@aaronpaul9188]

Mark Gable I am not really sure what point you are trying to make. that a constituitonal monarchy is good? well you are correct. i would agree. the british still dont have a constitution so i wouldnt say that they had a constitution before the french did. as much as i dislike him, dont compare napoleon to hitler. its just not a wise thing to do in conversation or discussions. Other than that, i dont know what you are arguing with me about. they have maybe two things in common, they were both absolute monarchs and they both ruled the french. thats about it. Actually, they both reformed the legal code as well. But thats not much to be honest.

[@salesedlar]

Thank you for your videos Tom!

[@Thomas-oy7fl]

Fleur de Lys is one of the symbol of the Church, that you can find in some church of Roma, in example., and the three FdL on the french coat of arms represents the Trinity.

[@lukaszwojcik8174]

Very cool and informative. Your style and wit makes the subject even more interesting in my opinion, and despite being a huge fangirl of France as a historical and political entity, i don't feel offended :D Onto the video about Louis XIV's wars!

[@ZombieBehindMe]

tom u are awesome i can't belive u can make history fun ;)

[@ZombieBehindMe]

***** yeah u where right this rap is even more fun i hope u have good future in youtube ;)

[@ZombieBehindMe]

nice work :)

[@GrudgeyCable]

Great episode tom. Is there anyway you can make an episode more in depth about the centralizing effects and policies of richelieu and mazarin? Seems like without them louis xiv may not have been able break the aristocracy so i think it would be a totally epic episode and be very informative. Thanks!

[@narakukagiwaki904]

I'm sorry to ask but where is your soverign rights for Kings video? I would like to watch it

[@3104Angel]

I enjoyed watching some videos you made. I had to do a research paper and a couple of your lectures helped a lot! I ask if you could please make a video about Machiavelli's thought of government in The Prince compared to 16th and 17th century European government. That's what my paper was on and I was a little confused about it. Could you please explain some basics? I would appreciate it!

[@3104Angel]

+Hope By the 16th and 17th century government I guess I'm meaning absolutism.

[@tomrichey]

+Hope I have a video on Machiavelli already. Lots on Absolutism. The rest is up to you. Good luck with your assignment!

[@roblyndon5267]

Have you done any videos on the English Revolution, Tom?

[@TheOfficialMaxBase]

Tom Richey, i love so much how you replied to that Mrlaloule guy. "Swerve"

[@CristinaDias7]

The painting of the 3 richelieu was comum at the time. Check the painting of Charles I by Van Eyck, 7 years early.

[@taylorherrington6961]

Can you make another lecture on his wars

[@thatspookyfeeling]

Your channel rocks/love your style, just great, you have a talent and trust me teaching is definitely a talent! I used to live in SC and my Russian husband so loves Southern cooking! Morticia

[@tomrichey]

Thank you very much for the kind words! And yes, our Southern food is pretty amazing.

[@TheDano1947]

Thanks for the lecture Jethro.

[@exchantedreams]

Your French made me laugh out loud! But it was a really engaging video! I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[@tomrichey]

+exchantedreams Yeah my French sucks! lol

[@Fireoflearning]

Louis XI, Francis I, Henri IV, forgettable? *Doubt*

[@friedrichnietzsche9760]

Didn't expect to see you here!

[@briteness]

Thank you for this concise explanation of the Sun King. 🌞 Honestly, he stood up for good principles, although his creating the long-term revenue problems for the state which you say eventually led to the catastrophic French Revolution is a pretty serious negative element of his legacy.

[@aaronmillersoutdooradventures]

I see you have an FFA award behind you? Are you a history teacher interested in agriculture? I am an ag teacher and FFA adviser interested in history! Love the channel and learning!

[@aaronfrank85]

Holy fuck its Matt Damon's brother!

[@tracyharman2659]

Tom NEVER ages!!!

[@alphatac2231]

Learned a lot 👍🏽

[@nimboon-ampol1509]

love you lecture!!...here feed back from Thailand :)

[@tomrichey]

Nim Boon-ampol Thank you so much! I love my international audience!

[@meteoritelight]

Gonna show this to my students this afternoon. Hopefully they enjoy your accent as much as I do...

[@willluem8328]

Thanks for the info!

[@blindbookworm8019]

I recently read a book about him and the relationship between him and the women in his life. I even got to review it on my channel.

[@AdderallPopsicle]

Im so glad i found this omg i dont have time to read over all my notes and textbook

[@tomrichey]

AdderallPopsicle Glad I could save you some time! haha

[@victoriaswindle2258]

I love your videos. I saw in the background you have two orthodox icons. I am orthodox

[@patrickvonjanicke658]

i like your style

[@tomrichey]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching these videos!

[@mikenight_1372]

This guy is a grade saver

[@arnett.h6276]

History lesson easy to digest👌🏽

[@MrBurritoMisterioso]

François 1er, forgettable ? Still liked the video but that really rustled my jimmies. I agree we had our share of ridiculous kings but I think we also had some pretty solid ones (my "favourite" being Saint Louis).

[@atomas59]

Saint Louis? You must be kiding right, a religious freak, that burn entire village in the name of god. His whole body soak in innocent blood. He shouldn't be called St-Louis, but Insane Louis, what can I say, the mother was a blood thirsty queen, so what do you expected?

[@colefundakowski9242]

i'd like to see some lecture material on Red Cloud's War (1st war America looses)

[@brennonconner7973]

learned about louis the 14 thanks.for the info

[@haleffect9011]

Francois 1st forgettable? riiiiiiight Henry IV possibly more useful than Louis XIV? Charles V? Louis IX? They had bad kings and good kings. France was pretty damn powerful for all of the history of europe post Rome

[@altandemei2644]

Il ne faut jamais oublier que le succès attire la jalousie, les rosbeefs ont toujours été vert de pas avoir réussit a détruire la France et au vu de l'histoire récente ils ont encore du mal a digérer le fait qu'ils aient été obligé de s'allier a nous

[@DeepCoverAka187]

Surtout que aujourd'hui, l'armée française est reconnu comme la meilleur d'Europe (si on compte pas la russie, et encore l'armée russe est nombreuse mais différente niveaux technologique et entrainement des soldats). Après c'est chacun sont avis, certain te dirons que c'est l'allemande , l'anglaise ou meme l'italienne la meilleur d'europe, mais c'est de loin la France la plus présente au combats

[@lionelhutz5137]

If any single country could be called the hegemonic power of Europe since the Romans, it's definitely France. The French are the very definition of splendour, might and elegance.

[@oussematrabelsi9429]

By forgettable , he means forgettable in the american European history course

[@noahc98]

Mr. Richey, could you clarify this for me? "One King, One Law, One Faith" was Louis XIV's motto, but Isabella of Castile said it, correct? Thanks!

[@tomrichey]

It doesn't really matter who said it - it matters more that Louis made it his policy goal.

[@oussematrabelsi9429]

he meant it doesn't matter for the exam you idiot . The exam won't ask you who said it.

[@TheGamebuzzHD]

François 1er was a forgettable king, for a history teacher you suck at it France didn't have weak king Saint Louis, Phillips Auguste, Henri IV, Charlemagne, Louis XIII (no matter Richelieu he still was a great and strong king) and above all François Ier who fought Charle Quint and the entire hasbourgh empire was according not just weak but forgettable...pff What can you expect from Americans whose history is barely 200 years old Mau I remind you that this guy a history teacher and he is not only vulgarising but twisting facts this is a disgrace to the entire historical community

[@PatrickTheFirst]

+Magofire Racist

[@jackparker8602]

Butthurt frog

[@Zhest-yu8rw]

Pathetic child

[@luiscorzo8434]

Whoa!! Its matt damon lecturing about history!

[@tomrichey]

LOL

[@araneida124]

This was great for my test

[@adityarathod4196]

Sir I am from India.... And you are awesome

[@BrianCaramore]

gosh your daughter is adorable

[@tomrichey]

IKR?

[@christineowens6829]

You stated that you use these for your AP students. I don't see why you could not make these available to your other students.

[@heliotropezzz333]

The accent on the end of Dieudonne, means you pronounce the e like ay. Dyu donnay. Mazarin is pronounced Mazara with a nasal a sound at the end.

[@jakesmith7153]

Merci pour la vidéo. j’espère que ça va m'aider pour mon examen demain.

[@aaronpaul9188]

Early capetians were weak, but all kings in europe were weak at the time. Philip II augustus, was an extremely strong king, as was his grandson St Louis IX. His grandson, Phillip IV, was yet another strong king, the most powerful in europe, who captured the papacy and destroyed the knights templars. the valois dynasty wasnt a great period, but Charles V was a good king who drove out the english. your weak Charles VII had an insane father, and was handicapped until his coronation at reims. he was the first monarch in european history to have a permanent standing army, and the first to use artillery effectively on the battlefield. of those that you had on the board: Louis XII was a good administrator with great legal reform and improved administration. Francois I led the Renascence in france, leading to new styles of art, architecture, as well as great improvements to french academics and the french language. he is also the reason that the swiss are neutral today. thats how badly he beat them. Louis XIV's grandfather was also an amazing king, Henri IV brought back peace, stability, and prosperity after the wars of religion. Louis XIV had a strong foundation to build on because of these "weak kings". and the fleur de lis is THE symbol for royalty and majesty because of france and her kings.

[@narreddarr8092]

Aaron Paul the lilly is often considered the symbol of good[great] fortune.

[@europeanbourgeois8223]

The Fleur De Lis is used all over Europe and it’s hardly a symbol of majesty when the kings ended up with their heads on the chopping block and Napoleon adopting the honey bee. The three lions, that’s a symbol of majesty...lasted to this very day and the there’s a a commonwealth of 2.3 billion people world wide that are in theory, subjects to the symbol.

[@joekerr9197]

Actually the coat of arms French kings used is very fit for a king, especially for a Christian/Catholic king. The Fleur-de-lys represent the Jesus' mother, "Blessed Virgin" Mary. Originally the coat of arms was "Azure, seme de fleur-de-lys Or" i.e. blue shield strewn with golden lilies or "fleurs". It was reduced to three fleurs ca.1380 (a bit earlier) in honor of "The Holy Trinity". French kings in fact often proclaimed themselves as "Defenders of the Faith". This fact alone was also one of the contributing factors in creation of the Anglican Church as well (Henry VIII's spouse "issues" being the major one ofc) since the English king was extremely jealous at the then reigning King of France, Francis I who was his "arch-nemesis" of sort. Oh and forgot to add...the painting you mentioned actually shows the arrival of Louis "le Grand Conde". He was actually his close cousin and represented the Conde branch of the Bourbon branch (Bourbon's being the branch of the original Capetians) itself...the line was known as prominent Huguenot nobles at that time. The painting marks Grand Conde's arrival back to French court at Versailles after his exile following his participation in the "Fronde" revolt. Interesting to note here is that the great staircase featured in the painting (called the "Ambassador Staircase") was actually demolished in 1752 by Louis XIV's son, Louis XV.

[@cloverhal2284]

And for all those people saying we shouldn’t complain many statements in this video are just plainly wrong, history is open to interpretation but there are some hard facts you can’t just gloss over just because « it’s not in my exam »

[@fasdfwgfgsdfg]

Louis sounds like a gambling man, pick of the litter and totally awesome fashion sense

[@jimmycarter7387]

Just wanted to ask something about the "sun king" name that Louis picked. Is it possible that Heliocentrism, made popular by the ongoing scientific revolution, influenced his name choice? After all, the idea that the sun is the center of the universe sounds quite appealing to a monarch who wants to be the center of everything important.

[@tomrichey]

That's compelling...

[@mindymontes5921]

Question. did the nobility create the absolute state ? i know Louis xiv was successful at strengthening the institution of the french absolute state but i can never get a clear answer as to who created it and in terms of class struggles between peasants and their exploiters who were they?

[@tomrichey]

I've got another lecture on the Foundations of Absolutism that might clarify things: Foundations of Absolutism (AP Euro)

[@liquidsnake6394]

for some reason I knew all this thanks to my independent study ! thanks to my library

[@anna-mariaraney2753]

Love your style. Can't wait to use it in my French class!

[@jrod4658]

"The prince (king) is not regarded as a private person; he is a public personage, all the state is in him; the will of all the people is included in his. As all perfection and all strength are united in God, so all the power of individuals is united in (his) person." Who said that?/\ |

[@ucheokoroafor8273]

Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet - French bishop to Louis XIV

[@lilsouffle]

1:29 hey Francis I of France was pretty important with his wars with Charles V or Carlos I

[@mir5804]

You did slaughter the french. But I've been passing my interrogers these days so you're forgiven by this great nation.

[@tomrichey]

Well, thank you so much! Aren't you from Canada or am I mistaking you for someone else?

[@mir5804]

You'd be absolutely correct. Great province of Edmonton now haha. I feel like you Americans explain history better!

[@Mel-mn8os]

Addison + Edmonton is not a province its the city inside the province of Alberta...

[@shaquebrazil7503]

''great'' - lol

[@ChrisTian-lf2oh]

Completely love your accent, good sir!

[@Elibelle]

Did your arm get tired after holding onto that mug of hot tea for so long?

[@francoisec9642]

Nice introduction to Louis XIV Tom, thank you. I agree that Louis XIV was THE first (and to me only) Great king of France, but would you consider King Francis as a weak king ? Thank you

[@kylarstern2649]

New Video!!!

[@darthradious7011]

Francis I. was in no way a weak king.

[@tomrichey]

+Radoslav Yordanov I hear that a lot, but in comparison with Louis XIV, who can measure up???

[@darthradious7011]

=)

[@darthradious7011]

Tom Richey Well, you may be right about that, but don't underestimate Francis' role in France's political development during the first half of the 16th century. He actually initiated the French Renaissance and was a key figure in the standartization of the French language. Just like Louis he didn't like the prostestants very much, but at least secured his supremacy in the Gallican church in a legal way (Concordat of Bologna). In short - Louis XIV. was cool and (without a doubt) the most popular and influential French king of all time... BUT if it wasn't for his great predecessors like Francis I., France wouldn't have become the all powerful country in Europe during the 17th century. That's in fact the job of every new generation - to surpass the achievements of the old ones ;) BTW I am a big fan of yours and I really enjoy your videos. In fact - I learned a lot from them and some of them helped to understand some of my lectures in the university. So keep up the good work and wish you all the best. With best regards from Bulgaria :D

[@BlunderCity]

+Tom Richey _"but in comparison with Louis XIV, who can measure up???"_ But you did refer to him as an "idiot" which he was anything but.

[@kotoneperez8582]

Louis' mother at his play like "you're doing amazing sweetie!"

[@johnnotrealname8168]

Louis XIV's mother was a bit harsher than that.

[@Duke_of_Lorraine]

Charles VII only used Joan as a mascot, and overall was a good king. If you want a funny weak king, look at his father : Charles VI, the Mad King. Was set afire in a ball (he survived... sadly for the country), thought his bones were glass, and give the inheritance of his kingdom to an english baby instead of his son. That's how the English took half of the kingdom.

[@Two_lights867]

Some people took this guy's opinion on French kings personally. But how is king Louis XIV forgotten when he is the absolute symbol of absolutism? I think he is the main figure in the Baroque period.

[@sarahstott396]

So grateful for all your videos on European History today, helping me fly through my revision for tomorrows exam..... eeeek!! Keep up the excellent work. p.s I currently studying BA Hons in History and even though your videos are for your high school students (is this right?) I find they have given a brilliant overview of each subject. Thanks!

[@tomrichey]

Sarah Stott These videos are actually primarily for high school students studying for AP exams to get college credit so that's why they're appropriate for college, as well. I actually teach a night class at a community college in addition to my high school job. I'm honored that I'm growing a college audience!

[@TAKEmeTOtheMORGUE]

France had the Lys, but remember UK still have the Rose which is also a flower. It meant to be elegant, not fearfull. French managed to make the Lys the symbol of power. ;)

[@eldudo63]

François the 1st, forgettable? The dude that made French the official language, waged war all across Europe therefore protecting the borders of France against Charles Quint, the King of the French Renaissance ... Lord, gave us a break!

[@jordanspencers35]

François Jurie he’s “forgettable” in the sense that AP European History students do not need to know him for the test. This video is made as a review for the AP European History exam.

[@niquib5085]

Please help me with some Suisse Historie BTW this helped a lot so Thanks

[@olsenhc7857]

We are gonna learn about the sun king at school tomorrow.

[@acidcitrus5143]

AP EXAM TOMORROW CRIIIII AAAAA

[@X1GenKaneShiroX]

I remembered that during his reign, that big Louisiana territory was gained for France.

[@tomiew1746]

ah i love him

[@graysonguinn1943]

"I am the senate" - Sheev "the sun chancellor" Palpatine

[@TheDano1947]

That looks more like a mug shot. Now turn to your left.

[@AussieDew01]

The symbol of the Tudor family was a Rose, it was normal for monarchs to use a flower.