Louis XIV's absolute monarchy refers to the centralized and autocratic rule of King Louis XIV of France, who reigned from 1643 to 1715. Under this system, the king held supreme authority over the state and governance, famously stating 'L'รฉtat, c'est moi' (I am the state). This form of governance laid the groundwork for modern concepts of state sovereignty and played a critical role in shaping the political landscape of Europe, especially concerning ideas of conservatism and collective security in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars.