France under Louis XIV

France under Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, was a period of strong royal control and cultural flourishing. He centralized power, reducing the influence of nobles, and made the king the ultimate authority. Louis built the extravagant Palace of Versailles to demonstrate his wealth and dominance. His reign expanded French territory through warfare, making France a leading European power. The era also saw significant cultural advancements in art, literature, and architecture, reflecting royal prestige. However, his costly wars and courtly splendor drained resources and contributed to long-term financial strain. Overall, it was a time of both glory and complex challenges for France.