The context of French foreign policy in 1661: Louis XIV's aims, the extent of French military resources; the Military Academy; the role of Louvois
When Louis XIV took personal control in 1661, he wanted to expand French territory and dominate Europe. He rebuilt and professionalised the French army to make those ambitions possible.
Real World
Louvois and Martinet's reforms professionalised the French army much as modern states use standardised training academies: by 1678 France could field over 250,000 men under unified command, dwarfing anything Spain or the Dutch Republic could mobilise.
Exam Focus
Separate Louis's personal aims from the structural military reforms of Louvois; conflating them weakens analysis of who deserves credit for French military success.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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