Western Civilization II / Unit 3 WC2 0201 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Imitating Louis: Palaces, Taxes, Officials, Compromises
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The idea
Almost every monarchy copied Louis XIV: a Versailles of its own, new taxes forced by the military revolution and his wars, and reliance on royal officials.
In practice
From Sweden to Austria, king and nobles compromised at the peasants' expense.
Where people slip
Imitation was never copying; each state built absolutism on its own compromise.
Your place on the trail
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