Think about what you have learned about the reign of Louis XIV and what you observed in the photos. Then, write a paragraph in response to the following prompt: How is the Palace of Versailles a reflection of Louis XIV’s form of government? Answer : Sample response: The grand Palace of Versailles shows how important the king was in France. As the most important person, he was entitled to live in the greatest home. Nobles were also required to live there so the king could keep an eye on them at all times, and so they would be available to him if he desired anything. The palace served as the seat of government, and all decisions came from Versailles.
EDGE 2021

Louis XIV of France, also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, is the ultimate symbol of absolut monarchy. To show his absolute power to the world, he engaged in the construction of the splendid Palace of Versailles, among others. He removed himself and his court from Paris, and move to this new seat of power, where he was the supreme authority in control of everything and everyone.

As an art-lover, he entrusted this work to many artists such as André Le Nôtre, Louis Le Vau, Charles Le Brun and Jules Hardouin-Mansart, and made them clear he wanted Versailles to be a majestic symbol of his absolute power and beauty. The Hall of Mirrors, the central gallery of the palace where 17 windows that overlook the breathtaking gardens reflect on 17 mirrors, summarizes what the Palace of Versailles meant: it exhibits monarchy at its peak.