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Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642) was one of the most important statesmen significant leaders in French if not European historyFrance because he both strengthened and consolidated the power of the monarchy. He was chief minister to Louis XIII , and he changed the nature of French government and society. Today , he is best known as a character in Alexander Dumas’classic novel, [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1853260401/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1853260401&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=ee86619b16656a6345cc090c6a7968c3 The Three Musketeers]. Richelieu was a master politician and diplomat, who because used of his influence over the monarch laid to lay the foundations of an ‘absolute monarchy’ in France.

Richelieu was also able to use the Thirty Years War to further the national interests of France and he, more than anyone else , made France the greatest power in Europe by the second half of the seventeenth century. He was also a very important figure in the development of the French Empire. However, these achievements, while significant resulted in death and misery were a catestrophe for millions of most French peoplecitizens.

This was a relic of feudalism and Richelieu believed that it was not suitable for a modern state. He persuaded Louis XIII to appoint an ‘intendant’ or official to every district and they would administer the area. This did much to reduce the influence of the local notables but they still had immense powers. The appointment of government officials did much to curb the authority and freedom of provincial nobles. Richelieu administrative reforms did much to change France from a feudal to a modern state. However, this was arguably not finished until the French Revolution. Richelieu also had many castles and fortresses demolished and this reduced the ability of the nobility to defy their monarch, however , they were still able to recruit large private armies from among their tenants and retainers. The new administration also meant more taxes for the peasantry , and there were many peasant uprisings during the Cardinal’s ministry.<ref>Bergin, p. 116</ref>

The Huguenots, were perhaps the strongest faction in the country and they had a significant army and were supported by Charles I of England. Richelieu attempted to revoke many of the privileges that were granted to the Huguenots under the Edict of Nantes. This led to a rebellion and Richelieu besieged one of their main strongholds La Rochelle. This siege was personally directed by the Cardinal , and he imitated the siege tactics of Alexander the Great to capture the strategic port. The Huguenots continued their rebellion but the Cardinal was implacable , and the Royalist army defatted the French Protestants in battle.<ref> Levi, p. 113</ref> This forced the Huguenot leader to seek terms with the king. Richelieu adopted a conciliatory policy towards them was influenced by personal philosophy ‘First, all means to conciliate; failing that, all means to crush.’<ref> Richelieu, <i>Political Statement</i>. (1663), p. 13</ref> If the Huguenots had not obeyed the Cardinal’s will he would have waged a total war against them. Richelieu, eventually appointed the Huguenot leader to a senior position in the army and integrated some Huguenot soldiers into the Royal army. The Cardinal at the same time, under the Peace of Alais, the Protestants still had religious freedom but they were shorn of their military and political rights.

Richelieu was unique among statemen of the time as he put the needs of his king before that of his religion. He devised a strategy that promoted and safeguarded the geopolitical interests of France. Despite being an early adherent of the Devot party, he was determined to limit the power of his fellow Catholics the Hapsburgs.<ref> Levi, p. 123</ref> This dynasty ruled in Spain and in Austria and they dominated much of Europe. For over a hundred years they had threatened France or interfered in her internal affairs when he became Minister he adopted a determined anti-Hapsburg policy. He supported, through subsidies various Protestant armies in Germany that were fighting the Catholic armies of the Hapsburgs. In 1629 when the Hapsburgs seemed on the point of victory , he encouraged the Swedes to invade Germany. This was not enough for Richelieu and he had French armies fight against the Spanish Hapsburgs in Northern Italy and even in Spain itself (Catalonia).

I have the consolation of leaving your kingdom in the highest degree of glory and of reputation , However, all of this came at a cost. After his death, the French nobility revolted in two wars known as the Frondes, that devastated France. His military campaigns and administrative reforms led to widespread poverty, rebellion, and famine in the countryside. Richelieu did make France great but in doing so , he caused many millions to suffer. No wonder he was such a divisive figure, who was either hated or loved.{{Mediawiki:Cell}}