Western Civilization II / Unit 1 WC2 0007 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Versailles: Palace, Ritual, and the Open Court as Instruments of Rule
Captions available
The idea
Louis turned a hunting lodge fifteen miles from Paris into Europe's largest seat of power. Nobles had to spend part of each year there, ranked by rituals, squabbling for favors only court standing could win.
In practice
Rituals like the king's rising; any well-dressed person could enter.
Where people slip
The anchor puts court costs at half a noble's revenue. Ritual subordinated and flattered at once.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Unlocks
- 0008What Versailles Cost: Sixty Percent of Revenue
- 0018Classifying an Absolutist Instrument: Intendant, Tax, Ritual, Academy, Army
- 0020How Louis XIV Made France the Model of Europe and Bankrupted It
- 0120Absolutism and Constitutionalism Compared: France and England on Five Features
- 0201Imitating Louis: Palaces, Taxes, Officials, Compromises
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