During the enlightenment a new brand of leader emerged, the enlightened despot, a ruler who embraced enlightenment philosophies and incorporated them in his rule. Louis XIV, who ruled France for 72 years, has been named one of the most effective monarchs of all time. He, however, was not an enlightened ruler because he was not tolerant, believed in absolutism and lived an extravagant lifestyle, contrary to utilitarian ideas.
Louis XIV saw himself as a crusader for the Catholic Church. He did not tolerate Protestants and effectively evicted them from France. In 1685, Louis signed the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (Document 8). The Edict had allowed Huguenots to practice their religion without persecution; the Revocation reflected Louis’ lack o
The Enlightenment emphasized the importance of utilitarianism, implementing policies that bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people. A 1688 painting shows Louis being wheeled around the garden by his courtiers (Document 6). Louis lived an extravagant lifestyle and showered privileges on the least productive members of society, the nobles. He supported himself and his courtiers on the backs of the French peasants who lived in abject poverty. A 1674 painting shows several courtiers enjoying a performance at Versailles (Document 2). Louis built the grand palace of Versailles and constantly entertained hundreds of courtiers there. These luxuries were paid for with the taxes of the peasants, not that of the nobles or the church. Louis’ fin
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