Details louis xiv trial

Another minor quibble I have with the book is that at times it clearly takes the side of Fouquet who was eventually convicted and spent the remainder of his life in prison and portrays him as the innocent victim of the evil and capricious Colbert e.

In this interpretation, most, if not all, of those involved with high finance during the first half of the seventeenth century were guilty — Fouquet was just the unlucky one who was sacrificed in order to clear the way for the reforms that Colbert had planned for the second half of the century.

For example, he encouraged the unification of much of the tax farm system under the Cinq Grosses Fermes, attempted to standardize weights and measures largely unsuccessfully , suppressed internal tariffs and tolls with moderate success , passed a uniform administrative code the Code Louis , and brought greater uniformity to the fiscal system.

Making these reforms required a reallocation of property rights away from fiscal agents e. One possibility is that Fouquet and Colbert simply disagreed on the degree of coercion required for this renegotiation to proceed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and found the experience rewarding. It can be read on several levels. It is a compelling account of a political drama in mid-seventeenth century France, but it is also a window into the process by which rule of law gradually became established.

It should be read by anyone who studies old regime social history or who wants a detailed narrative of the political economy of state building. Copyright c by EH. All rights reserved. This work may be copied for non-profit educational uses if proper credit is given to the author and the list.

For other permission, please contact the EH. Net Administrator administrator eh. Published by EH. A fascinating and deeply moving account of human resistance and mass fear. He also demonstrates convincingly that the case played a major role in the anti-Semitic propaganda surrounding the Dreyfus Affair. In his brilliant reconstruction, Birnbaum's study takes its place among other classic accounts of ritual murder and blood libel trials from the middle ages and modernity.

Description Desc. Kohn, Association of Jewish Libraries "Pierre Birnbaum, distinguished historian of Third Republic France, has recaptured a tale of 17th-century ritual murder in Lorraine which was cited as precedent by both accusers and supporters of Alfred Dreyfus years later. Louis XIV inherited his strong faith from his mother, Anne of Austria, but it seems that she may have put 'practicality' above religion sometimes.

When Louis XIV was 15 years old, Anne decided it was time to find a woman to introduce him to the act of procreation. She began a search for the perfect candidate. Historians say she wanted someone experienced, discreet, lacking in ambitions, and who would not be too beautiful or enchanting. She chose one of her ladies-in-waiting who was known as "One-eyed Catherine" for obvious reasons. The Queen was satisfied with her efforts and gifted her with a title, several estates, and a hotel.

Historical accounts suggest that the King was faithful to Maria Theresa for the first year of their marriage, but began to carry on numerous affairs after that. She eventually became his official mistress and had four of his children. After Henrietta Anne came one of his most famous mistresses, another married woman called the Marquise de Montespan, formerly a lady-in-waiting to his wife.

She was known to be ambitious, and many of the courtiers were scared of her. It's believed that she went to sorcerers and magicians to obtain love potions that she fed to the King. Her plan to gain the King's favor succeeded and they began a long affair. She gave birth to seven of his children. The Marquise de Montespan wasn't the only one making use of these underground services.

Apparently these alchemists and sorceresses were selling potions and spells to many enterprising members of the court who wished to use them on the King to further their positions. When the French police received a tip off that someone was planning to poison the King, a mass enquiry of hundreds of noblemen and potion-peddlers began. Thirty-six people were sentenced to death, 34 sent into exile, and many others were punished. The recipient of his affections happened to be her governess, known as the Marquise de Maintenon.

The Marquise de Maintenon encouraged Louis XIV to forget about her and give more attention to his wife, but he couldn't be persuaded.

This made his wife, Maria Theresa, very fond of his new mistress. However, she came from a very poor background and her family could not be allowed to inherit the crown, so they were married in secret. They had a religious marriage, but it was not recognized by the state so she was never officially made queen. Fact-checking Kevin McCarthy's comments about January 6 committee. Ad Microsoft. Refinance Rates at 2. Calculate your rate now. Full screen.

Shocking tales from the court of Louis XIV Louis XIV is one of Europe's best remembered kings, known for ordering the building of the Palace of Versailles , leading an incredibly opulent life, and creating an absolute monarchy in France. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. The divine ruler He ascended to the throne at the young age of five, with his mother ruling as regent.