<P> Absolute monarchy in France slowly emerged in the 16th century and became firmly established during the 17th century . Absolute monarchy is a variation of the governmental form of monarchy in which all governmental power and responsibility emanates from and is centered in the monarch . In France, Louis XIV was the most famous exemplar of absolute monarchy, with his court central to French political and cultural life during his reign . </P> <P> The 16th century was strongly influenced by religious conflicts developing out of the establishment of Lutheranism and permanent wars . However, France's critical position turned out to be of a central meaning for the formation and theoretical justification of absolute monarchy . Its disputes between monarchy and community as well as the fatal loss of the House of Valois' authority during the second half of the 16th century prompted nation - state theoretical reflections that led to a strengthening of the monarchic central power, so helped to overcome the monarchy's crisis and to consolidate the internal and external political situation . </P>

Who attempted to rule france as an unlimited ruler