# Louis XIV begins personal rule (1661)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1661-louis-xiv-begins-personal-rule
Location: France

After Mazarin’s death, the king announced he would govern without a chief minister. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis XIV (King of France). Louis XIV begins personal rule is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Louis XIV begins personal rule is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

Ruler at the time: [Louis XIV](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-xiv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Louis XIV begins personal rule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Louis+XIV+begins+personal+rule&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Louis XIV begins personal rule](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Louis+XIV+begins+personal+rule)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)