King Louis XIV of France’s reign is one of the most frequently studied models of absolutism we analyze in history today. Absolutism is the “theory of the state in which the unlimited power of the king under God is emphasized” (Sivers et. al., 574). Many roles of absolutism were demonstrated during his time in power in attempt to improve France. These roles include controlling the nobles, unifying the country and extending state authority at home and abroad. Versailles was King Louis XIV’s palace, which “emphatically demonstrated the new centralized power of the French monarchy” (Sivers et. al., 575). In order to bring the nobility under his control he “required their attendance at his court, which then became the only route to power and influence”
