'Roi de guerre ou Roi de paix? Louis XV and the French monarchy, 1740-1748

This article examines debate about the nature of the French monarchy during the early years of Louis XV's personal rule. It argues that the king, his ministers and advisers as well as the wider French public were torn between traditional models of monarchy based upon the concept of a 'roi de guerre' and the diplomatic and human consequences of military conflict that had caused many to urge a more restrained, pacific projection of French power. In 1748, Louis XV offered a peace which reflected that desire to avoid a repetition of his predecessor’s errors, but France lacked the strength needed to impose a Pax Francia. The subsequent separation between the Bourbon dynasty and active military service did much to undermine the monarchy in the eyes of an increasingly patriotic public opinion