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Although absolutism eventually occurred throughout Europe, its origins can be traced back to France, during the reign of Louis XIII. Absolute monarchy or absolutism meant that the sovereign power or ultimate authority in the state rested in the hands of a king who claimed to rule by divine right. This was true in the time of Louis XIV. Although inherited, absolutism reached its height while he was in command. He was, however, unlike other rulers …

…France and all of the court of Versailles by means of power, entertainment, and money. He was skilled in the sense that he knew when to use which asset. Although there have been critics of Louis’ tactics, they were not able to fully prove that Louis was in fact an inferior king. One thing is certain, at the time of Louis’ power, France had gained the position as Europe’s leading cultural and military power.