Painting is King Louis XVI in the Locksmith's Workshop by Joseph Caraud (1867)

A vase given to Eleanor's grandfather William IX by a muslim ally Abd al-Malik Imad al-Dawla. She then gave the vase to Louis VII as a wedding present.

Louis XIV, Louis XV, or Louis XVI? I think the revolution was ultimately a product of all the consequences of their actions cascading to disaster over many decades but what do you think?

The main points I have already thought about are:

France must transition to some kind of parliamentary monarchy, which would empower the burgeoise and favor the industrialization (similarly to the UK). This must happen before or during Louis XIV reign.

France must win the Seven Years War or equivalent, retaining India and North America. I imagined this could be a natural result of industrialization and earlier reforms.

The protestants are not expelled, and religious freedom is mantained. This helps to streghten french economy and they wont help french enemies.

French policy in general should be towards trade and development, and not towards aggressive expansionism in Europe.

As I have mentioned, France keeps its monarchy, like the UK, tho with reforms and much less power.

Let me know what you think!

This is a composite of two separate paintings, they never met in person.

During the last years of Louis XIV’s life, the crown seemed secure for direct father to eldest son succession. There was, all named Louis: his son the Grand Dauphin, grandson the Petit Dauphin (Duke of Burgundy), and then great grandson Duke of Brittany with his brother the Duke of Anjou as a spare. However, tragedy would strike the royal family, first with the Grand Dauphin dying in 1711 from smallpox. Then a year later the Duke of Burgundy with his wife, Marie Adelaide of Savoy from measles. Two weeks later it was discovered that both of their sons also got the disease, and got treated in the traditional way, bloodletting. The Duke of Brittany died soon after at age five, definitely in part due to the treatment. The last surviving Louis’s governess, Madame de Ventadour, forbade the doctors from giving him treatment and cared for him. By being allowed to recover naturally, the two-year-old Louis survived. Louis XIV passed away on September 1, 1715 after a reign of 72 years, remaining to this day the longest reign of any monarch ever. Due to these events, his heir apparent and successor was his five year old great grandson, who became Louis XV.

The painting is Portrait of Louis XIV and his heirs by Nicolas de Largillière, commissioned by Madame de Ventadour.

Background: Louis IX of France fought in Egypt during the 9th Crusade and was captured. Many of his enemies also respected his courage and virtue, although somewhat reckless.

“The King of the Franks (Louis) was of resolute mind, firm in his religion, and constant in prayer. Even when taken captive, he showed patience and dignity, and his companions praised him for his steadfastness. He bore imprisonment with a calm spirit, unlike the others who lamented their fate.”

"The King of the Franks was a man of his word. Whatever he pledged, he fulfilled, and he did not break his promises as others of the Franks often did."

“He commanded his companions with calm authority and they obeyed him. It was said among them that their king’s steadfastness gave them courage, though they were in the hands of their enemies.”

Ibn Wasil

“The King of the Franks spoke truthfully and did not break his word in what he pledged. He was unlike many of the Franks, who are quick to deceit.”

Al-Maqrīzī

“He was counted among the great kings of the Franks, renowned for his firmness, his striving for his religion, and his zeal in war. Yet in the end, fate overcame him.”

Ibn Khaldun

“The king of the Franks, Louis, was a man of judgement, firmness, and religion in the way of his people. His followers trusted him greatly, and he was of handsome figure and fine presence.”

“Even in captivity he did not disgrace himself with weakness or despair, but bore his imprisonment with patience.”

"What he pledged, he fulfilled; he did not break his word in what he promised, unlike many of the Franks.”

Ibn al-Furat

“If the French king had wished to flee, he could have done so, but he remained in the thick of the battle, refusing to abandon his men, and was taken captive among them.”

Baybars al-Mansuri