The Origins of French Absolutism, 1598-1661 [Hardcover]

This controversial study takes the provocative line that the French monarchy was a complete success. James turns the idea of royal ‘absolutism’ on its head by redefining the French monarchy’s success from 1598 - 1661.

The Origins of French Absolutism, 1598-1661maintains that building blocks were not being laid by the so-called architects of absolutism, but that by satisfying long-established, traditional ambitions, cardinal ministers Richelieu and Mazarin undoubtedly made the confident, ambitious reign of the late century possible.

 

Introduction to the Series

Acknowledgements

Chronology

Map: France in 1620

Introduction

 

PART ONE:  THE BACKGROUND

1. EARLY BOURBON MONARCHY

The ‘Peace’ Of Nantes

The Recovery Of Royal Authority

The Early Reign Of Louis XIII

  

PART TWO: ANALYSIS

2. RELIGION

The Catholic Reformation

The Cardinal Ministers

The Huguenots

Jansenism

 

3.   WAR

Early Aims and Ambitions

France in the Thirty Years' War, 1635-48

Mazarin and the Peace Of The Pyrenees, 1648-59

 

4.   GOVERNMENT

Popular Rebellion

Money

Officers of the Crown

Fronde of the Parlement, 1648-49

Personal Government

 

5.   SOCIAL ORDER

The Fronde of the Nobles, 1650-53

Louis XIII and the Nobility

Historians and the Nobility

The Dynastic State

 

PART THREE: ASSElÃM