Page 67 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

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The Sun King 1 Depiction of the Battle
France in the 17th century quickly became a major player on of Formigny, 1450.
the world stage. Colonies were established in Canada, Indochina 2 Henri IV signing the
and the Caribbean. As powers behind the throne, Cardinals de Edict of Nantes.
Richelieu and Mazarin paved the way for Louis XIV, the “Sun King” 3 Interior of the Château
whose court at Versailles (p170) became the glory of Europe. de Versailles.
Louis built mighty citadels as he embarked on a series of wars 4 Napoléon on horseback
with Spain, the Netherlands, England, Austria and Savoy.
in the 1814 campaign.
Revolution and Empire
Louis XIV made France a great power, but his wars cost France
dearly. In the 18th century, philosophers such as Voltaire and Did You Know?
Rousseau challenged the aristocracy, but the monarchy’s
refusal to address the grievances of the people ultimately led While popular myth says
to the revolution of 1789, followed by the execution of Louis XVI that Napoléon was
and his queen, Marie Antoinette, and the “Reign of Terror”, in particularly short, he
which thousands of aristocrats were sent to the guillotine. A was in reality around
young military genius, Napoléon Bonaparte, emerged from the 5 ft 7 inches.
chaos of the republic to make himself emperor in 1804. His empire
lasted until 1815 and covered much of Europe at its peak.

1756–63 1792 1804
France loses Canada Louis XVI is Napoléon is crowned
and other overseas overthrown and emperor; 11 years
possessions to the First Republic later, he is defeated
England. is established. at Waterloo.

1789
1682 The French
Revolution
The Royal begins and
Court moves feudal laws are
to Versailles. abolished.
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