Explain why Louis XIV disliked the Jansenists.

This question, worth 12 marks, requires a focus on three (or more if you have time) main reasons, which you can develop. I would suggest before starting this question that you write down every reason you can think of why Louis might have disliked the Jansenists, then try to expand on these (in note form), including any dates, facts, or quotes you have remembered. Possible paragraphs could include their religious views, the fact that they were disloyal during the Frondes, their criticism of worldly wealth, and their position in the higher echelons of society. There are, of course, more factors, but these are the four that I would have chosen. The next step is to decide which of these you believe to be the most important reason why Louis disliked the Jansenists, and why this factor is more important than the others you have chosen. In the first paragraph, it is a good idea set out what your position is on the subject. Introducing your essay with, ‘The fundamental reason why’ or words to that effect makes sure this is obvious to the marker. Personally, I would argue that the Jansenists’ religious views were the main reason why they were disliked, as they were non-conformists and believed to be heretics. I would then explain what the Jansenists’ religious views were in greater detail, and why Louis saw these as heretical and a threat to his power. To achieve top marks, it is necessary to demonstrate wider reading, and you can do this through learning a few quotations on each subject from respected historians. Here, for example, I might write that Shennan believes that Louis’ chief reason was, ‘simply the fact that they did not conform’, showing that I am aware of the historical debate surrounding the question. In the second paragraph, I would introduce the second most important reason. In this case, I would argue that the Jansenists were disliked because they were disloyal during the Frondes, which meant Louis could never fully trust them. I would then expand on this, explaining why it is important, but, crucially, stating at the end why it is not as important as their religious views. This links the paragraph back to the question, and demonstrates that you have thought about and ranked your answer. The same model applies to the third (and fourth if you have enough time) paragraph. In order to write a convincing analytical conclusion, you need to reiterate your argument, confirming which reason is most important, and ensure that you have fully explained why you have ranked this above other reasons. For example, in this question, I would conclude that the main reason why Louis disliked the Jansenists was because they did not conform to the way he thought the church should operate. I would also acknowledge that it could be argued that the main reason was political (as with the Frondes), but confirm that I don’t believe this to be the case because, even if they had been loyal, Louis would have still disliked them because of their different religious views. I would evidence this through his treatment of the Huguenots, another religious group which were persecuted by Louis because of their religion.