King Louis XIV - The Sun King

Louis XIV in 1661

Louis XIV of France (1638 - 1715) is one of the most significant monarchs in the history of Europe.  Over his reign he came to dominate the continent and has captured the imagination of people ever since.  His palace at Versailles, symbolising the power of the monarchy when it was perhaps at it's highest point in Europe. In the latter half of the 17th century Louis XIV embarked on an expansionist policy looking to increase the power and territory of France. Unsurprisingly, this took him into conflict with the other major powers in Europe.
One of the areas Louis XIV hoped to expand into was the Palatinate. Control of the Palatinate would provide Louis with a very natural and defensible border along the Rhine river. The opportunity arose when the Charles II, Elector Palatine died in 1685 having served only five years as Elector Palatine. Charles II died without leaving any heir. Thus it was that the Simmern line of Elector Palatines that had begun with Frederick III in 1560 died out with Charles in 1685. Without an heir, the title of Elector Palatine passed to another branch of the family in the person of Philip William of Neuberg.
Louis XIV seized this opportunity and disputed Philip William's claim to the Palatinate.  Louis XIV counter claim came through Charles II sister Elizabeth Charlotte (Liselotte). Liselotte was married to Louis XIV brother, Philippe I, Duke of Orleans. Louis XIV claimed the Palatinate on behalf of his sister in law. Curiously he did this without actually consulting her.
In pursuit of his claim on the Palatinate, Louis XIV sent his armies into the region and across the Rhine in 1688. This conflict would become known as The War of the Palatine Succession and it would once again result in turmoil and devastation for the Palatinate.