St. Bartholomew's Day massacre as thousands of Huguenots killed in Paris
Religion
1572
King Henry IV grants freedom of worship to the French Huguenots
Religion
1598
A fanatical Catholic kills Henry IV while he is being driven through Paris
Government
1610
Academie Francaise is founded as guardian of French language
Education
1635
Rene Descartes publishes "Meditations"
Philosophy
1641
Louis XIV (1643-1715) establishes himself as absolute monarch
Government
1643
In the First Fronde, nobles react to Mazarin by inciting the Paris mob to revolt
War
1648
Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle infuriates Louis XIV: plans to attack United Provinces
Peace
1668
Court of the Sun King established at the Palace of Versailles
Government
1682
La Salle claims Louisiana for France
Geography
1682
French hegemony was at its height in 1683
Government
1683
Huguenots flee France after Louis XIV revokes privileges granted to Protestants
Religion
1685
Nine Years War ends with Treaty of Ryswick
Peace
1697
The War of Spanish Succession concludes with the Treaty of Utrecht
Peace
1713