Starring Role and Contributions of Voltaire Towards Historiography

Abstract

This study is about the Voltaire historiography of the Enlightenment era. In this paper, twelve historiographic works of Voltaire are mentioned. The History of Charles XII and The Age of Louis XIV. Charles XII, the ruler of Sweden (1697-1718), and Louis XIV, the ruler of France (1643-1715). The purpose of the research is to learn about Voltaire and the historiography of Voltaire. This research employs qualitative, descriptive and analytical methodology drawing from both primary and secondary sources. Voltaire’s historical work was “The History of Charles XII,” published in 1731, which discussed Sweden and Finland as a kingdom and the initial wars of Charles XII, wars with Russia, the Ottoman forces and Sweden's weakness, and finally discussed his death. Another work is “The Age of Louis XIV”, published in 1751, which Voltaire discussed different states and minorities of Louis XIV, civil wars and the state of France, the policy of expansion during the rule of Louis XIV, the magnificence of Louis XIV and the Nine Years’ War, various incidents of the rule of Louis XIV and various aspects of internal government. The study recommended and discussed advancement and cultural achievements of historiography during the 18^th century.