Louis XIV and Europe, 1661–1685 common mistakes

Common mistakes

• Confusing Louis XIV's aims with those of his predecessors

  Students often attribute the foreign policy aims of previous French monarchs to Louis XIV.

  Fix itFocus on the specific context of Louis XIV's reign and his unique ambitions for territorial expansion.

• Confusing the War of Devolution with other conflicts

  Students often mix up the War of Devolution with the Franco-Dutch War.

  Fix itFocus on the specific causes and outcomes of the War of Devolution, particularly its role in Louis XIV's foreign policy.

• Confusing the outcomes of the Franco-Dutch War

  Students often mix up the outcomes of the Franco-Dutch War with those of other conflicts involving France.

  Fix itFocus on the specific treaties and territorial changes that resulted from the Franco-Dutch War, particularly the Peace of Nijmegen.

• Confusing the Treaty of Ratisbon with other treaties

  Students often mix up the Treaty of Ratisbon with the Peace of Utrecht.

  Fix itRemember that the Treaty of Ratisbon specifically addressed territorial gains from the policy of Reunions.