Ancien Regime: Did you mean...?

The assignat was a paper bill issued by France between 1789 and 1796, during the French Revolution (1789-1799). First issued in the form of bonds, the assignat was meant to stimulate France's economy as a quick means to pay off national debt...

Belgian Congo was a colony of Belgium from 1908 until 1960. Prior to that, the region had been the Congo Free State (created in 1885), which was effectively a private enterprise of King Leopold II. Often referred to as Belgian Congo even...

The Russian Civil War (1917-22) began shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution of November 1917. The Bolsheviks (the Reds) immediately found themselves in conflict with various opposition forces who disagreed with Bolshevik policies like abolishing...

The Night of the Long Knives (aka Blood Purge or Röhm-Putsch) of 30 June 1934 was a purge of the Nazi Sturmabteilung (SA) paramilitary group which continued through 1 and 2 July. Adolf Hitler (1889-1945), wary of the growing power of the...

A c. 1700 portrait by Hyacinthe Rigaud of Louis XIV of France (r. 1643-1715). (Louvre Museum, Paris)

Death of King Louis XIV of France at the Palace of Versailles, oil on cardboard sketch by Thomas Jones Barker, France, c. 1835-1840. This oil sketch depicts the death of Louis XIV at Versailles. Barker was commissioned by King Louis Philippe...

Wedding of King Louis XIV of France and Marie-Thérèse of Spain, oil on canvas by Jacques Laumosnier, c. 1660-1700. This painting depicts the wedding of Louis XIV and Marie-Thérèse on the 9th of June, 1660. The union of France and Spain signaled...

King Louis XIV dances as Apollo in the Ballet de la Nuit, drawing by Henri de Gissey, France, 1653. Le Ballet de la Nuit was choreographed in 1653 and was used to introduce King Louis XIV to the French court at Versailles. It lasted 12 hours...

Perspective view of the Palace of Versailles, print by Gabriel Perelle, published by Nicolas de Poilly, Paris, c. 1661-1695. Etching showing bird's eye view of the Palace of Versailles between 1661 and 1695, including newly built extensions...

Louis XIV and Anne of Austria, oil on canvas by unknown artist, France, c. 1639. Portrait of the Dauphin of France, Louis XIV, and his mother, Anne of Austria. Serving as regent of France during her son's minority, Anne was a key political...