The personal monarchy: the strengths and weaknesses of royal government; the influence of Madame de Maintenon
Louis XIV ran France alone, making every major decision himself. After 1685, this system showed serious cracks, and his secret wife Madame de Maintenon gained growing influence over him.
Real World
Madame de Maintenon's influence mirrored that of a powerful chief of staff: after her secret marriage to Louis around 1683, she sat in on ministerial meetings and historians credit her with stiffening his commitment to the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685.
Exam Focus
For 'assess the significance' questions, weigh Maintenon's influence against structural weaknesses of personal monarchy rather than treating her as the sole cause.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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