‘There were significant changes in Louis XIV's religious policies in the 1670s.’ Assess the validity of this view.
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2022
Topic
The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe, 1643–1715
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‘There were significant changes in Louis XIV's religious policies in the 1670s.’ Assess the validity of this view.
Louis XIV's Religious Policies in the 1670s
The 1670s witnessed a distinct shift in the religious landscape of France under Louis XIV's reign. While some historians argue these changes represent a significant departure from earlier policies, others contend they were merely a continuation of pre-existing trends. This essay will assess the validity of both perspectives, ultimately arguing that while the 1670s saw a heightened focus on religious uniformity, these changes were more a matter of degree than a fundamental shift in Louis XIV's overarching religious objectives.
Arguments for Significant Change
Several developments in the 1670s suggest a notable shift in Louis XIV's religious policies. Firstly, his relationship with the Papacy deteriorated significantly. The extension of the régale – the King's right to collect revenues from vacant bishoprics – to the whole of France in the early 1670s directly challenged papal authority. This act, condemned by Pope Innocent XI, led to a protracted dispute and even threats of excommunication against Louis XIV in 1676. This signifies a more assertive and less conciliatory approach towards Rome compared to the earlier years of his reign.
Secondly, Louis XIV intensified his campaign against the Huguenots within France. The conclusion of the Dutch War in 1678 provided him the opportunity to redirect his attention inwards. The establishment of the "treasury of conversion" in 1676, offering financial incentives for Huguenots to convert to Catholicism, signaled a more aggressive approach. While outright persecution was not yet policy, the 1670s witnessed a clear escalation in pressure tactics aimed at achieving religious uniformity.
Thirdly, the late 1670s saw a crackdown on Jansenism, a Catholic sect deemed heretical by the Pope. The death of the Duchess of Longueville in 1679, a prominent Jansenist protector, removed a significant obstacle for Louis XIV. He dismissed his Jansenist foreign minister, Pomponne, and dispersed the remaining monks from Port-Royal, a Jansenist stronghold. These actions represented a marked escalation in his campaign against the sect.
Arguments Against Significant Change
However, other historians argue that the changes in Louis XIV's religious policies during the 1670s were more evolutionary than revolutionary. They argue that his assertive stance against the Papacy was not new. In the 1660s, he had already demonstrated his willingness to challenge Rome, even threatening to invade the Papal state of Avignon after an altercation involving the French ambassador. The conflict of the 1670s, therefore, could be seen as a continuation of this existing tension rather than a distinct shift in policy.
Furthermore, while the 1670s witnessed increasing pressure on Huguenots, the brutal persecution associated with the Dragonnades policy did not occur until the 1680s. Therefore, while Louis XIV's desire for religious uniformity remained constant, the methods he employed evolved gradually rather than undergoing a sudden transformation in the 1670s.
Finally, Louis XIV's actions against Jansenism in the late 1670s can be interpreted as a continuation of his earlier policies. He had already taken steps to suppress the sect in the early 1660s. The events of the late 1670s, therefore, might represent a renewed effort rather than a complete departure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the 1670s undeniably witnessed significant developments in Louis XIV's religious policies, characterizing them as a radical departure from previous decades requires a nuanced perspective. The escalation of pressure on Huguenots, the conflict with the Pope, and the crackdown on Jansenism certainly marked a more aggressive pursuit of religious uniformity. However, these changes were rooted in pre-existing tensions and objectives that had characterized Louis XIV's reign from the outset. His fundamental goal - to be "The Most Christian King" and ensure the religious unity of his kingdom – remained constant. The 1670s, therefore, represent less of a turning point and more of an intensification of existing trends within Louis XIV’s long-standing pursuit of religious conformity.
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There were significant changes in Louis XIV's religious policies in the 1670s. Assess the validity of this view.
This essay will assess the validity of the view that there were significant changes in Louis XIV’s religious policies in the 1670s. The essay will argue that, while there were some notable shifts in policy during this decade, particularly towards the end, these changes were largely a continuation of Louis XIV’s long-standing religious objectives. His primary goal was to maintain religious unity and eradicate heresy in France, and his methods in the 1670s, while perhaps more aggressive, were consistent with his overall approach to religious policy.
Arguments supporting the view of significant changes in the 1670s:
Firstly, Louis XIV’s relationship with Rome deteriorated in the 1670s, particularly after his declaration to extend the régaleto all of France. This led to a threat of excommunication in 1676, indicating a significant escalation in tensions. Secondly, Louis XIV introduced new measures to encourage Huguenot conversions, including cash payments from the ‘treasury of conversion’ in 1676, suggesting a more active and coercive approach towards Protestants. Thirdly, the conclusion of the Dutch War in 1678-79, which saw Louis XIV target ‘heretics’ abroad, contributed to a more robust policy towards Protestants within France. Finally, the death of the Duchess of Longville in 1679, a powerful protector of Jansenism, and the subsequent sacking of Jansenist Foreign Minister Pomponne and the dispersal of residents from Port Royal, signal a shift in Louis XIV’s stance towards this influential religious group.
Arguments challenging the view of significant changes in the 1670s:
Firstly, Louis XIV adopted an overtly anti-papal position as early as the 1660s, threatening to invade Avignon after an incident involving the French ambassador. This suggests his anti-papal stance predates the 1670s, and the escalation of tensions during this decade may be attributed to Pope Innocent XI’s personal antagonism towards Louis XIV rather than a fundamental change in his religious policy. Secondly, while Louis XIV’s policy towards the Huguenots intensified in the late 1670s, it wasn’t until the 1680s that he adopted truly aggressive measures like the Dragonnadespolicy. Therefore, the changes in his religious policies towards Protestants in the 1670s might be seen as a gradual escalation rather than a sudden shift. Thirdly, Louis XIV’s desire to be ‘The Most Christian King’ and eradicate heresy was a long-term objective, consistent throughout his reign. His policy towards the Jansenists, while intensifying in the late 1670s, can be seen as a continuation of his early 1660s policies aimed at suppressing this movement.
Conclusion:
While there were some notable changes in Louis XIV’s religious policy in the 1670s, particularly towards the end of the decade, these changes were largely a continuation of his long-standing religious objectives. The ending of the Dutch War allowed him to focus on domestic affairs and intensify his efforts to combat heresy within France. However, his fundamental religious priorities remained consistent: to maintain religious unity and eradicate heresy. It is debatable whether the changes in the 1670s mark a new direction in his religious policy or simply a more pronounced manifestation of his existing goals. The evidence suggests that Louis XIV’s religious policy evolved gradually throughout his reign, with the 1670s representing a period of intensified efforts to achieve his long-held objectives.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Arguments Supporting Significant Changes in Louis XIV's Religious Policies in the 1670s
Arguments supporting the view that there were significant changes in Louis XIV’s religious policies in the 1670s might include:
⭐Louis XIV’s relationship towards Rome deteriorated in the 1670s when he declared that the régale would be extended to the whole of France.
⭐Louis XIV was threatened with excommunication because of his actions towards Rome in 1676.
⭐Louis XIV introduced new measures in an attempt to bribe Huguenots into converting to Catholicism. He introduced cash payments from the ‘treasury of conversion’ in 1676.
⭐Louis XIV’s persecution of the Huguenots had intensified by the end of the 1670s.
⭐The conclusion of the Dutch War where Louis XIV has targeted ‘heretics’ abroad, resulted in a more robust policy towards protestants at home, in 1679 the Duchess of Longville died, which removed a powerful protector of Jansenism and signalling a change in Louis XIV’s religious policy.
⭐Louis XIV sacked his Jansenist foreign minister Pomponne and dispersed the last male residents from Port Royal.
Arguments Challenging Significant Changes in Louis XIV's Religious Policies in the 1670s
Arguments challenging the view that there were significant changes in Louis XIV’s religious policies in the 1670s might include:
⭐Louis adopted an overtly anti-papal position in the 1660s, which saw him threaten to invade the papal state of Avignon after Corsican guards in Rome fired shots at the coach of the French Ambassador. This anti-papal position merely continued into the 1670s.
⭐Pope Innocent XI’s predecessors were less inclined to challenge Louis XIV, so any deterioration in the relationship between France and Rome could be attributed to Innocent XI’s desire to stem Louis XIV’s power rather than a change in religious policy.
⭐Whilst Louis XIV’s policy towards the Huguenots begins to intensify at the end of the 1670s, it is not until the 1680s that he adopts more aggressive methods such as his Dragonnades policy.
⭐Louis XIV’s desire to be The Most Christian King and to root out Heresy was a long-term objective, and one that remains consistent throughout his reign. This can be seen in his policy towards the Jansenists as, whilst his policy intensifies at the end of the 1670s, it can be argued that this was merely a continuation of his policies in the early 1660s.
Conclusion: Were There Significant Changes?
There were some significant changes in Louis XIV’s religious policy in the 1670s, especially towards the end of the decade. The ending of the Dutch War between 1678–79 allowed Louis XIV to turn his attentions towards his domestic policy, specifically his aim of targeting heresy in France. However, it is debatable how significant these changes really were and whether they really mark a new direction for Louis XIV’s religious policy.
It can be argued that Louis XIV’s fundamental religious priorities remained the same during the course of his reign, and that it was merely circumstance which led him to prioritise different elements of his religious policy during the 1670s.