Essay Louis XIVs Similarities to Machiavellis The Prince

Louis XIV was born on September 5, 1638, and ruled as King of France and of Navarre from May 14, 1643 until his death at the age of 76. He took over the throne a few months before his fifth birthday, but didnt actually assume actual control of the government until his First Minister, Jules Cardinal Mazarin, died in 1661. He was to become King of France after his father, Louis XIII, died of tuberculosis. He achieved the role of king by ways of hereditary monarchy, which is one of the ways to become a ruler, as stated by Machiavelli. Louis XIV is known as the The Sun King and also known as Louis the Great. He ruled over France for seventy-two years, which is the longest reign of any French or any other major European ruler and†¦show more content†¦Louis XIV didn?t follow the path of his father, who was a great leader. One of Machiavelli?s principles was to follow in the path of a great leader, and try to imitate those who are most excellent. Since Louis XIV became the ruler of a hereditary monarchy, as one of Machiavelli?s principles states, he didn?t have as much difficulty in maintaining hereditary states accustomed to his reigning family. Because of this, he was always able to maintain his position, unless some very excessive and exceptional force deprived him of it, which indeed never happened. Although, if it did happen, he would be able to regain his position of king, even on the slightest mischance happening to the new occupier. Louis XIV was a very generous spender. He put in large amounts of money to finance the royal court, and operated as a supporter of the arts, funding literary and cultural figures. He also kept his army in mind by building military complex known as the Hà ´tel des Invalides to give a home for officers and soldiers who had served him loyally in the army. The Hà ´tel des Invalides established new treatments frequently and set a new standard for the rather barbarous hospice treatment styles of the period. To support a Machiavellian tactic, Louis XIV didn?t have any mercenaries or auxiliaries, he controlled his own army, and was a self-sufficient ruler that didn?t rely on the help of others in battle. Also, to