First essay topic

HIST 362
First  essay topic

Write a five to seven page essay that makes use of both primary and secondary sources in support of a  clearly stated thesis in response to the following question:

What specific functions were the central actions of the state under Louis XIV?  Who was chiefly responsible for carrying out those functions and what was the source of the sovereignty (or political power) of those who carried out those functions?

To answer this question, you should refer to the readings from Collins, The State in Early Modern France and from William Beik, Louis XIV and Absolutism (including the primary source documents).

Your essay should include all the appropriate elements of a scholarly essay including title, clear introduction of the question and statement of thesis, body paragraphs that argue in support of the thesis by use of evidence to illustrate and support , proper citation of directly quoted material, endnotes or footnotes (Chicago style preferred but not mandatory) to reference sources of information, and a conclusion that explains what has been demonstrated in the essay. Essays should be double-spaced and carefully edited for clarity, diction, spelling, punctuation, sentenced structure and precision.
Any use of outside sources should be based upon sources that are of demonstrated reliability and authority, and which are directly relevant to the topic at hand.

Your essay us due in class on Tuesday February 28.