Louvois was a key military and strategic advisor to Louis XIV, who transformed the French Army into an instrument of royal authority and foreign policy.

He reorganized the French Army and exercised strict control over officers, but that resulted in slower tactical and operational response times.

He had more success upgrading logistics for armies on the move and also improved the magazine system left by his father and introduced portable ovens to bake bread during halt days.

The ten years of peace between 1678 and 1688 were distinguished in French history by the rise of Madame de Maintenon, the capture of Strasbourg and the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, in all of which Louvois bore a prominent part.

A saving clause in the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, which provided for some liberty of conscience, if not of worship, Louvois sharply annulled with the phrase "Sa majesté veut qu'on fasse sentir les dernières rigueurs a ceux qui ne voudront pas se faire de sa religion" ("His Majesty wishes the worst harshness on those who do not partake of his religion").

[4] French history often compares him to Carnot, as both had to reorganize armies using existing resources and new systems, and both were committed to the well-being of soldiers.

Despite his unscrupulous methods in his own private life and his work, including harsh measures against Huguenots, Louvois is credited with establishing the role of the civilian "minister of war," leaving a lasting impact on military administration in France.