Rise to PowerA. Childhood- born September 5, 1638- father died early in life, therefore raised by mother- very confident, extroverted and arrogant, even as a boy- left to own amusement, which led to relations with the servants and inadvertently framed effectiveness as ruler through societal insight- education was supervised by Marechal-Duc de Villeroy, who limiting and ineffectiveB. Reign- ruled by divine right- decided to rule without a prime minister after death of Mazarin- reorganized the Council, providing hierarchy, timetables, and a shorter list of powers- very few key officials; in 54 years only had 16 Ministers, 6 Chancellors, 6 Controllers of Finance, 5 Secretaries of State, 5 Foreign Affair Ministers, and 4 Navy Ministers- keeping officials centralized and few in number equaled a smaller risk of revoltII. Social LifeA. Personal Details- grave dignity, seldom laughed- developed a steady work habit, a high degree of patriotism, a devotion to the common good, and a love of justice- quite charming, though cared little for the comfort or needs of othersB. Daily Life- woke at eight a.m.- dressed by two doctors and a nurse, who also inquired about any health issues- the Grand Chamberlain would enter, along with any other lucky courtiers, to watch the king dress- usually participated in some sporting activity, then perhaps had a theatrical presentationC. Etiquette- quite theatrical where proper form was involved- wore purple for the mourning of someone important (i.e.: the queen), black for minor occasions- insisted on scratching in place of knocking, so as not be as easily disturbedD. Wives & Mistresses- married Maria-Theresa, Spanish princess, marriage was arranged- had affair with Marie Mancini- tempted by sister-in-law, Henriette dAngleterre- Mademoiselle de La Valliere- Countess Soissons- Madame de Montespan- Madame de Maintenon- had five kids from various mothersE. Palaces- Versailles housed 1...
