Journal #1

In my opinion, I think that Louis XIV would be a better ruler to live under compared to his grandson and Marie Antoinette. The Sun King was successful at his ability establish a stable and powerful hold over his country through absolute monarchy. Meanwhile, Louis XIV failed to do so and lost his head as a result. In addition, Louis XIV knew how to retain and maintain power, especially over the nobles. The very act of establishing Versailles as a seat of government control forced the nobles to come to him and seek his support. He was adept at playing the nobles off against each other, and was practically the archetype of absolute power. Although he certainly made mistakes such as his foreign wars, he kept a tight rein on …show more content…
Therefore, I would prefer to live in a country with absolute monarchy and have a king that was completely in power, rather than Louis XVI with his unstable shaky influence. Louis XIV was a good example of a political leader while Louis XVI tried to avoid politics as much as possible. When Louis XVI said "I am the state," he lived as if he were. While Louis XIV spent excessive amounts of money on his military, he could justify that decision for it was spent in order to fund for his wars. Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI spent large amounts on extravagant finery that were clearly not needed. Furthermore, Louis XIV possessed the knowledge and preparation to rule France. Because of this, I would not want to have Marie Antoinette as my ruler as she lacked any experience on ruling and governing a kingdom. The previous also applies to Louis XVI, who was utterly unprepared and also held absolutely no personality for being the King of France. Economically, Louis XIV was not the best ruler, but economy is not everything. Louis XIV brought administrative efficiency, political stability, cultural prestige, and military power to France. However, he did leave France indebted, but not impoverished. Louis XIV left a France that was significantly stronger than it was …show more content…
Some may rightfully believe that the French Revolution did more harm than good for society. However, I believe that the positive effects of this revolt far outweigh the negative effects. The French Revolution not only positively affected European society right after the revolt but, to this day, some effects remain in France, as well as many other societies in countries around the world. The French Revolution included changes such as setting a higher standard of living amongst all people in these countries, and allowing anyone, rather than just nobles, to hold a position in a high public office. The actions of the people of the French Revolution resulted in many positive contributions to many societies. I think that the French Revolution can be seen as a necessary step in France’s journey from monarchy to a democratic republic, so in the long run it definitely had a positive effect. Of course , it wasn't immediately beneficial-the Reign of Terror and the Napoleonic Wars made sure of that. The French Revolution is where our current modern society comes from in the form we know. Principles ranging from equality to free speech, a parliamentary representative democracy, the concept of a nation, and even social ideas like socialism, communism, and especially human rights all come from what have been implemented or conceptualized during French