'Cambridge Modern History. Volume 05, The Age of Louis XIV' Summary

The Age of Louis XIV was a period of great change and upheaval in Europe. The French monarchy reached the height of its power under Louis XIV, who ruled from 1643 to 1715. Louis's reign was marked by a series of wars, including the War of Devolution (1667-1668), the Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678), and the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714). These wars led to significant territorial gains for France, but also drained the country's resources and contributed to the rise of new powers such as England and Prussia. In addition to its military conquests, the Age of Louis XIV was also a period of great cultural and intellectual achievement. The French court was a center of art, literature, and music, and French culture had a profound influence on the rest of Europe. The scientific revolution also made great strides during this period, with the work of scientists such as Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.