"I am the state." King Louis XIV was a strong and extravagant ruler who knew what had to be done to create political stability and strength in France. His abilities to manipulate the bourgeoisie and the nobility played a grand role in his success. There were many different ways that Louis XIV strengthened and transformed the French monarchy. The Sun King was the best example of an Absolutist ruler. The roles of the nobility and the bourgeoisie were very important to the way Louis wanted to run the country. Louis made the nobles in high offices less dangerous, and some even harmless by taking away their power. "Louis XIV's chief asset as a political leader was his ability to defuse class tensions in France" is a valid statement.

Being able to defuse the social class tensions in France was a great asset to Louis. Louis XIV had a...