Maritime Power and the Power of Money in Louis XIV's France

Maritime Power and the Power of Money in Louis XIV's France

Author: Benjamin Darnell

Publisher: Boydell & Brewer

Published: 2023-12-19

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 1837650543

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A detailed analysis of the limitations of the system which relied on intermediaries and private suppliers to finance, build and maintain the French navy. Although Louis XIV's navy did not "win" in any recognisable sense during the wars of the later seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, it was nevertheless one of the largest military institutions of the entire early modern world at a key moment in the evolution of the modern state and modern warfare. This book examines how Louis XIV's navy was financed, arguing that the way the state spends money, and the relative efficiency and accountability of that spending, is fundamental to understanding the effectiveness of a military system. It outlines how the French crown depended on fiscal intermediaries and private suppliers, explores how its failure to control the spending and activities of its contractors fundamentally limited France's strategic possibilities at sea, and discusses how these structural problems were progressively and disastrously exposed as the state's financial situation deteriorated. The book sets the activities of the French navy in the wider context of the wars of the period, showing that France necessarily had to give precedence to the funding of its army. Overall, the book highlights the limitations of the contractor state, demonstrating that early modern navies were both too complex and investment-heavy to be entirely outsourced.


Book Synopsis Maritime Power and the Power of Money in Louis XIV's France by : Benjamin Darnell

Download or read book Maritime Power and the Power of Money in Louis XIV's France written by Benjamin Darnell and published by Boydell & Brewer. This book was released on 2023-12-19 with total page 295 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A detailed analysis of the limitations of the system which relied on intermediaries and private suppliers to finance, build and maintain the French navy. Although Louis XIV's navy did not "win" in any recognisable sense during the wars of the later seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, it was nevertheless one of the largest military institutions of the entire early modern world at a key moment in the evolution of the modern state and modern warfare. This book examines how Louis XIV's navy was financed, arguing that the way the state spends money, and the relative efficiency and accountability of that spending, is fundamental to understanding the effectiveness of a military system. It outlines how the French crown depended on fiscal intermediaries and private suppliers, explores how its failure to control the spending and activities of its contractors fundamentally limited France's strategic possibilities at sea, and discusses how these structural problems were progressively and disastrously exposed as the state's financial situation deteriorated. The book sets the activities of the French navy in the wider context of the wars of the period, showing that France necessarily had to give precedence to the funding of its army. Overall, the book highlights the limitations of the contractor state, demonstrating that early modern navies were both too complex and investment-heavy to be entirely outsourced.


The Financial Decline of a Great Power

The Financial Decline of a Great Power

Author: Guy Rowlands

Publisher: Oxford University Press on Demand

Published: 2012-10-04

Total Pages: 286

ISBN-13: 0199585075

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An examination of the financial decline of Louis XIV's France during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714).


Book Synopsis The Financial Decline of a Great Power by : Guy Rowlands

Download or read book The Financial Decline of a Great Power written by Guy Rowlands and published by Oxford University Press on Demand. This book was released on 2012-10-04 with total page 286 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An examination of the financial decline of Louis XIV's France during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714).


The Crisis of French Sea Power, 1688–1697

The Crisis of French Sea Power, 1688–1697

Author: Geoffrey Symcox

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13: 9401020728

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The French navy that fought in the Nine Years War was essentially Colbert's creation. Earlier in the century Richelieu had given France the beginnings of a navy: ships, ports, a corps of officers and an administra tive structure. But most of his work was undone by neglect in the years after his death, and the task of making France a maritime power had to begin again under Louis XIV. Colbert's efforts to build a navy were distinguished by the same stubborn energy that he brought to all his other tasks. Behind his desire for naval might lay his vision of France as the first commercial power in Europe, for he saw clearly that mercantile preponderance could never be achieved without the backing of a strong fleet of warships. Trade would follow the flag, as he believed it had for his envied models and perpetual rivals, the Dutch. Soon after Louis XIV's assumption of power, Colbert set about the enOImOUS labour of resurrecting the navy founded by Richelieu; he soon found that the task was really one of creation, virtually ex nihilo. Ships or built, sailors recruited, captains enticed home from were purchased service under foreign flags, bases planned and constructed, an adminis trative system established.


Book Synopsis The Crisis of French Sea Power, 1688–1697 by : Geoffrey Symcox

Download or read book The Crisis of French Sea Power, 1688–1697 written by Geoffrey Symcox and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The French navy that fought in the Nine Years War was essentially Colbert's creation. Earlier in the century Richelieu had given France the beginnings of a navy: ships, ports, a corps of officers and an administra tive structure. But most of his work was undone by neglect in the years after his death, and the task of making France a maritime power had to begin again under Louis XIV. Colbert's efforts to build a navy were distinguished by the same stubborn energy that he brought to all his other tasks. Behind his desire for naval might lay his vision of France as the first commercial power in Europe, for he saw clearly that mercantile preponderance could never be achieved without the backing of a strong fleet of warships. Trade would follow the flag, as he believed it had for his envied models and perpetual rivals, the Dutch. Soon after Louis XIV's assumption of power, Colbert set about the enOImOUS labour of resurrecting the navy founded by Richelieu; he soon found that the task was really one of creation, virtually ex nihilo. Ships or built, sailors recruited, captains enticed home from were purchased service under foreign flags, bases planned and constructed, an adminis trative system established.


The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783

The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783

Author: Alfred Thayer Mahan

Publisher:

Published: 1892

Total Pages: 650

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 by : Alfred Thayer Mahan

Download or read book The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 written by Alfred Thayer Mahan and published by . This book was released on 1892 with total page 650 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


International Politics and Warfare in the Age of Louis XIV and Peter the Great

International Politics and Warfare in the Age of Louis XIV and Peter the Great

Author: William Young

Publisher: iUniverse

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 541

ISBN-13: 0595329926

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The Peace of Westphalia (1648), ending the Thirty Years' War, resulted in the rise of the modern European states system. However, dynasticism, power politics, commerce, and religion continued to be the main issues driving International politics and warfare. Dr. William Young examines war and diplomacy during the Age of Louis XIV and Peter the Great. His study focuses on the later part of the Franco-Spanish War, the Wars of Louis XIV, and the Anglo-Dutch Wars in the West. In addition, the author explores the wars of the Baltic Region and East Europe, including the Thirteen Years' War, Second Northern War, War of the Holy League, and the Great Northern War. The study includes a guide to the historical literature concerning war and diplomacy during this period. It includes bibliographical essays and a valuable annotated bibliography of over six hundred books, monographs, dissertations, theses, journal articles, and essays published in the English language. International Politics and Warfare in the Age of Louis XIV and Peter the Great is a valuable resource for individuals interested in the history of diplomacy, warfare, and Early Modern Europe.


Book Synopsis International Politics and Warfare in the Age of Louis XIV and Peter the Great by : William Young

Download or read book International Politics and Warfare in the Age of Louis XIV and Peter the Great written by William Young and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 2004 with total page 541 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Peace of Westphalia (1648), ending the Thirty Years' War, resulted in the rise of the modern European states system. However, dynasticism, power politics, commerce, and religion continued to be the main issues driving International politics and warfare. Dr. William Young examines war and diplomacy during the Age of Louis XIV and Peter the Great. His study focuses on the later part of the Franco-Spanish War, the Wars of Louis XIV, and the Anglo-Dutch Wars in the West. In addition, the author explores the wars of the Baltic Region and East Europe, including the Thirteen Years' War, Second Northern War, War of the Holy League, and the Great Northern War. The study includes a guide to the historical literature concerning war and diplomacy during this period. It includes bibliographical essays and a valuable annotated bibliography of over six hundred books, monographs, dissertations, theses, journal articles, and essays published in the English language. International Politics and Warfare in the Age of Louis XIV and Peter the Great is a valuable resource for individuals interested in the history of diplomacy, warfare, and Early Modern Europe.


The Influence of Sea Power Upon History 1660-1783

The Influence of Sea Power Upon History 1660-1783

Author: A. T. Mahan

Publisher: Read Books Ltd

Published: 2011-03-24

Total Pages: 487

ISBN-13: 1446548279

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Originally published in 1898. PREFACE: The definite object proposed in this work is an examination of the general history of Europe and America with particular reference to the effect of sea power upon the course of that history. Historians generally have been unfamiliar with the conditions of the sea, having as to it neither special interest nor special knowledge; and the profound determining influence of maritime strength upon great issues has consequently been overlooked. The period embraced is from 1660, when the sailingship era, with its distinctive features, had fairly begun, to 1783, the end of the American Revolution. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.


Book Synopsis The Influence of Sea Power Upon History 1660-1783 by : A. T. Mahan

Download or read book The Influence of Sea Power Upon History 1660-1783 written by A. T. Mahan and published by Read Books Ltd. This book was released on 2011-03-24 with total page 487 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Originally published in 1898. PREFACE: The definite object proposed in this work is an examination of the general history of Europe and America with particular reference to the effect of sea power upon the course of that history. Historians generally have been unfamiliar with the conditions of the sea, having as to it neither special interest nor special knowledge; and the profound determining influence of maritime strength upon great issues has consequently been overlooked. The period embraced is from 1660, when the sailingship era, with its distinctive features, had fairly begun, to 1783, the end of the American Revolution. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.


The Third Reign of Louis XIV, c.1682–1715

The Third Reign of Louis XIV, c.1682–1715

Author: Julia Prest

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2016-12-08

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 1317014111

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The personal rule of Louis XIV, following on from a long period of royal minority and apprenticeship, lasted 54 years from 1661 to 1715. But the second half of this personal rule has, until recently, received significantly less scholarly attention than the 1660s and 1670s. This has obscured some of the very real changes and developments that occurred between the early 1680s and the mid-1690s, by which time a new generation of younger royals had come to prominence, France was engulfed in international war on a greater scale than ever before, and the king was visibly no longer as vigorous or healthy as he had once been. The essays in this volume take a close look at the way a new set of political, social, cultural and economic dispensations emerged from the mid-1680s to create a different France in the final decades of Louis XIV’s reign, even though the basic ideological, social and economic underpinnings of the country remained very largely the same. The contributions examine such varied matters as the structure and practices of government, naval power, the financial operations of the state, trade and commerce, social pressures, overseas expansion, religious dissent, music, literature and the fine arts.


Book Synopsis The Third Reign of Louis XIV, c.1682–1715 by : Julia Prest

Download or read book The Third Reign of Louis XIV, c.1682–1715 written by Julia Prest and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2016-12-08 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The personal rule of Louis XIV, following on from a long period of royal minority and apprenticeship, lasted 54 years from 1661 to 1715. But the second half of this personal rule has, until recently, received significantly less scholarly attention than the 1660s and 1670s. This has obscured some of the very real changes and developments that occurred between the early 1680s and the mid-1690s, by which time a new generation of younger royals had come to prominence, France was engulfed in international war on a greater scale than ever before, and the king was visibly no longer as vigorous or healthy as he had once been. The essays in this volume take a close look at the way a new set of political, social, cultural and economic dispensations emerged from the mid-1680s to create a different France in the final decades of Louis XIV’s reign, even though the basic ideological, social and economic underpinnings of the country remained very largely the same. The contributions examine such varied matters as the structure and practices of government, naval power, the financial operations of the state, trade and commerce, social pressures, overseas expansion, religious dissent, music, literature and the fine arts.


The Navy and Government in Early Modern France, 1572-1661

The Navy and Government in Early Modern France, 1572-1661

Author: Alan James

Publisher: Boydell & Brewer

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 210

ISBN-13: 0861932706

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The role of the navy as an instrument of royal power in France, C16/C17, with a reappraisal of Richelieu's performance as Grand-Master of Navigation.


Book Synopsis The Navy and Government in Early Modern France, 1572-1661 by : Alan James

Download or read book The Navy and Government in Early Modern France, 1572-1661 written by Alan James and published by Boydell & Brewer. This book was released on 2004 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The role of the navy as an instrument of royal power in France, C16/C17, with a reappraisal of Richelieu's performance as Grand-Master of Navigation.


The Wars of Louis XIV 1667-1714

The Wars of Louis XIV 1667-1714

Author: John A. Lynn

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-12-19

Total Pages: 436

ISBN-13: 1317899512

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Warfare dominated the long reign of the `Sun-king', Louis XIV. For forty years from 1672, France was continuously at war and had one of the largest armies seen in the West since the fall of imperial Rome. The campaigns secured little territory, but almost bankrupted the country and the consequences for the French monarchy were dramatic - contributing to its eventual downfall. John Lynn examines the wars for evidence of a coherent strategic policy; he explores the operational logistics of the campaigns; and considers their significance for France's diplomatic, political, mililtary, administrative and institutional This is the first modern, comprehensive study in any language, and offers a vivid insight into 17th and 18th century statesmanship and warfare - reaching a climax with the defeat of France by Marlborough at Blenheim.


Book Synopsis The Wars of Louis XIV 1667-1714 by : John A. Lynn

Download or read book The Wars of Louis XIV 1667-1714 written by John A. Lynn and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-12-19 with total page 436 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Warfare dominated the long reign of the `Sun-king', Louis XIV. For forty years from 1672, France was continuously at war and had one of the largest armies seen in the West since the fall of imperial Rome. The campaigns secured little territory, but almost bankrupted the country and the consequences for the French monarchy were dramatic - contributing to its eventual downfall. John Lynn examines the wars for evidence of a coherent strategic policy; he explores the operational logistics of the campaigns; and considers their significance for France's diplomatic, political, mililtary, administrative and institutional This is the first modern, comprehensive study in any language, and offers a vivid insight into 17th and 18th century statesmanship and warfare - reaching a climax with the defeat of France by Marlborough at Blenheim.


The English and French Navies, 1500-1650

The English and French Navies, 1500-1650

Author: Benjamin W. D. Redding

Publisher: Boydell & Brewer

Published: 2022

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 1783276576

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Challenges the received wisdom about the relative weakness of French naval power when compared with that of England. This book traces the advances and deterioration of the early modern English and French sea forces and relates these changes to concurrent developments within the respective states. Based on extensive original research in correspondence and memoirs, official reports and accounts, receipts of the exchequer and inventories in both France, where the sources are disparate and dispersed, and England, the book explores the rise of both kingdoms' naval resources from the early sixteenth to the mid seventeenth centuries. As a comparative study, it shows that, in sharing the Channel and with both countries increasing their involvement in maritime affairs, English and French naval expansion was intertwined. Directly and indirectly, the two kingdoms influenced their neighbours' sea programmes. The book first examines the administrative transformations of both navies, then goes on to discuss fiscal and technological change, and finally assesses the material expansion of the respective fleets. In so doing it demonstrates the close relationship between naval power and state strength in early modern Europe. One important argument challenges the received wisdom about the relative weakness of French naval power when compared with that of England.


Book Synopsis The English and French Navies, 1500-1650 by : Benjamin W. D. Redding

Download or read book The English and French Navies, 1500-1650 written by Benjamin W. D. Redding and published by Boydell & Brewer. This book was released on 2022 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Challenges the received wisdom about the relative weakness of French naval power when compared with that of England. This book traces the advances and deterioration of the early modern English and French sea forces and relates these changes to concurrent developments within the respective states. Based on extensive original research in correspondence and memoirs, official reports and accounts, receipts of the exchequer and inventories in both France, where the sources are disparate and dispersed, and England, the book explores the rise of both kingdoms' naval resources from the early sixteenth to the mid seventeenth centuries. As a comparative study, it shows that, in sharing the Channel and with both countries increasing their involvement in maritime affairs, English and French naval expansion was intertwined. Directly and indirectly, the two kingdoms influenced their neighbours' sea programmes. The book first examines the administrative transformations of both navies, then goes on to discuss fiscal and technological change, and finally assesses the material expansion of the respective fleets. In so doing it demonstrates the close relationship between naval power and state strength in early modern Europe. One important argument challenges the received wisdom about the relative weakness of French naval power when compared with that of England.