F-96 Luis XIV - France

Louis XIV of France was born on 5 September 1638 and died 1 September 1715. He was also known as “Louis the Great” or the Sun King. He was the King of France from 14 May 1643 until his death in 1715. His reign lasted for 72 years and 110 days. His reign was the longest recorded of any monarch of a sovereign country in European history. Louis XIV's reign of France was emblematic of the age of absolutism in Europe. An absolute monarch was one who received his anointing through birth and was not bound to any laws, as he was above the law for it was believed he could do no wrong. He ruled by divine right from God and no one dared to touch him. He had a regent (an adult who ruled for him until he was of age) who conducted his affairs for him when he took command in 1661. His main goal was to create and stir up conflicts with his neighboring countries to be in constant wars and thus gain power.
The Sun King surrounded himself with a variety of significant political, military, and cultural figures. He also got the support of his nobles by having them live at his palace which by the way was extremely lavish. During Louis' long reign, France emerged as the leading European power, and regularly asserted its military strength. A conflict with Spain marked his entire childhood, while during his personal rule, the kingdom took part in three major continental conflicts, each against powerful foreign alliances. Louis sensed that warfare was the ideal way to enhance his glory. In peacetime he concentrated on preparing for the next war. He taught his diplomats that their job was to create tactical and strategic advantages for the French military in order to gain power by instilling fear.