Versailles & Government

Significance of Versailles

Made according to Louis' wishes
11 miles from Paris- Louis was still fearful of the Frondes
Physical representation of excellence of the Sun King's reign
A symbol & catalyst
Shows inequality- rich lived in luxury, poor paid for it
Showed what was wrong with French society between 1661-1715
All part of a rational, well- thought-out campaign with a recogniseable political purpose

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Control of Image:
- Create image of strong, absolutist monarch, seen through building, materials used
Impressive:
- Inspire admiration & fear amongst foreign rulers & ambassadors
- Replicas appeared in St.Petersburg, Spain, England
Centre of Culture:
- Diplomacy was done in French
- Artists of all kinds gathered at Versailles
Centre of Government:
- Ran his country through 4 main councils at Versailles: High Council, Finance Council, Council of Interior, Privy Council
Control of Nobility:
- Elaborate etiquette system
- Patronage- positions in army, church, government
- Divide & rule

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High Council: discussed most important matters of state eg. Foreign affairs & matters of religion,most able& loyal ministers sat here (Colbert),3-5 people- very small, Nobles of the Robe
Council of the Interior (Despatches): received reports & gave instructions to intendants, kept Louis informed of key issues- conscription/riots/ religious problems, Nobles of the Robe
Finace Council: dealt with matters of finance- finance/ industry/ shipping/ agriculture, controlled by Controller-General of Finances & team of accountants capable of book-keeping, Nobles of the Robe
Privy Council: led by Chancellor & 7 dozen lawyers, dealt with matters of justice, King was absent- represented by a chair, Nobles of the Robe

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