The Establishment of Absolutism at Home, 1661-1685

What is Absolutism?

• It's the belief that the King is appointed by God.

• A political theory where a King shares powers with senior Judges.

• A political theory where a King holds unrestrained power.

• It's when you are absolutely certain of the answer.

What was the Dauphin?

• The Dauphin was a type of fish.
• The Dauphin was a famous painting.
• The Dauphin was the title given to the eldest son of the King of France.
• The Dauphin was a type of currency.

Which of these women are the acknowledged mistresses of Louis XIV?

• Louise de la Valliere

• Madame de Montespan

• Antonia Frazer

• Madame de Marzipan

Answer explanation

Antonia Fraser was the historian who wrote about Louis XIV and his mistresses.

Who was Louis XIV's first Finance Minister?

• Fouquet

• Mazarin

• Bonaparte

• Colbert

Answer explanation

Louis XIV quickly turned on Fouquet, concerned by his undue interest in Louise de la Valliere. Fouquet openly ridiculed Louis XIV decision to take an absolutist approach to his government. Ultimately, he was accused of corruption and arrested.

What was the name royal palace and government complex created by Louis XIV?

• Palace of Tuileries

• Palace of Louvre

• Palace of Versailles
• Palace of Versace

Answer explanation

The Palace of Versailles is located just outside Paris.

What was the "Petit Coucher"?

• Attending Louis XIV when he woke up in the morning.

• Attending Louis XIV when he was getting ready for bed.

• A French dessert served at formal functions at Versailles.

• A type of small dog owned by Louis XIV.

What was the "Petit Lever?"

• A daily ceremony in the French royal court where the king would wake up and get dressed in front of the courtiers.
• A famous French painting depicting a small lever in the Hall of Mirrors.

• A popular French dish made with petit pois (small peas) served at Versailles.

• The ceremony that saw people attending Louis XIV as he went to bed.

What was the "Grand Couvert"?

• A military strategy used during a war during the 17th Century.

• A ceremonial meal served to the French king during the Ancien Régime.
• A Council of Finance based at the Palace of Versailles.

• A canal financed by Colbert linking Tours and La Rochelle.

What did the Academie Francaise do?

• An Academy which coordinated the governance of the different French regions.

• Regulate the French language and standardised literary work to promote a pro-Royal sentiment.

• Preserve ancient Greek and Roman texts at the Musee de Louvre.

• An Academy that coordinated French religious laws and worked to prevent heresy.

What is the "Gazette de France"?

• A tax designed to raise money on land yields. This was used for infrastructure projects.

• A Royal fete that took place once a year, consisting of fireworks, ballet and an opera.

• A French newspaper which reported the glorious action of this marvellous monarch.

• An Academy that safeguarded and promoted the work of scientists.