Louis XIV 's reign heralded the triumph of the absolutist monarchy. The King, convinced that his power was a divine right, exerted absolute authority in all spheres. He “tamed” the nobility at Versailles and made important decisions alone - both at Court and in the provinces - on the advice of Colbert and Louvois. The State also exerted its control over trade and industry by founding manufactories and publishing sets of regulations. He encouraged the creation of colonies in India, the West Indies and Canada. His absolutism also extended to religion with the fight against the Protestants and Jansenists, and to the arts with pensions paid to artists who glorified his reign. France's expansionist ambitions led to armed conflicts which at first brought victory then defeat, putting an end to French supremacy in Europe. Thus, the 18th century began in France in difficult conditions with the persecution of Protestants, followed by popular riots. His adversaries expressed their discontent with royal absolutism. These difficulties would not diminish during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI . The crisis in the monarchy worsened, leading to the summoning of the Estates General in 1789 which paved the way for the French Revolution.
