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Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642) was one of France's most significant leaders because he both strengthened and consolidated the power of the most important statesmen in French if not European historymonarchy. He was chief minister to Louis XIII , and he changed the nature of the 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 of used 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 France's national interests of France and he, more . More than anyone else , he 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 catastrophe for millions of most French peoplecitizens.

====Background==Why was France divided before the arrival of Cardinal Richelieu? ==In the early seventeenth century , France was one of the Europe's leading powers in Europe , but it was very divided and vulnerable. It was surrounded by the Hapsburgs , who controlled the Low Countries and Spain. The kingdom was also very divided because of religion. Europe was torn by religious conflict , and in 1618 the Thirty Years War broke out , and much of the continent was dragged into the conflict between Catholic and Protestant.<ref> Bergin, Joseph. <i>The Rise of Richelieu </i> (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1997), p. 34</ref> The international situation was destabilizing French society , which was divided between Catholic and Protestant (Huguenot). The Edict of Nantes had granted French Protestants religious toleration and this community effectively ran their own ‘parallel state’. There were continued tensions between Catholics and Protestants and this frequently exploded into riot and violence. The Catholic community itself was divided between hardliners and those who took a more pragmatic approach to religion. The country itself was still largely a feudal society.<ref> Bergin, p. 13</ref>

The local nobility Edict of Nantes had granted French Protestants religious toleration, and magnates dominated the localities and they were the de-facto rulers in this community effectively ran their own lands‘parallel state. The great noble families such as the Conde owned massive estates and they even had their own private armies. These noble families owed more allegiance to themselves than to France. The nobility was factionalized and they constantly quarreled and even fought each other to gain influence ’ There were continued tensions between Catholics and even intrigued with the Hapsburgs against their king.<ref> Collins, James B. The State in Early Modern France (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1995)Protestants, p. 15</ref> The actual power of the monarch was very limited. The king in France was dependent upon the nobles to raise taxes and an army. If the aristocrats did not want to cooperate with the king, he was in great difficulties. Many found this situation intolerable and demanded reforms, especially the middle class frequently exploded into riots and urban elitesviolence. ====Cardinal Richelieu====Cardinal Richelieu The Catholic community itself was born in 1585, during one of France’s many Religious Wars. Richelieu was the son of the Lord of Richelieu divided between hardliners and those who took a member of the minor nobility.<ref> Bergin, p. 4</ref> He was educated in Paris at the Collège de Navarre, a brilliant student he was well-versed in history and the classics. He had originally been intended for the military but his family decided that he should enter the priesthood. In April 1607, after receiving a papal dispensation as he was only 21, he was ordained as a priest and bishop at Lucon. Richelieu was very ambitious and studied the works of Machiavellimore pragmatic approach to religion. The extent of the influence of the Italian political philosopher can be seen in Richelieu’s cynical aphorisms, especially in his Testament Politique (1641). His most famous epigram is ‘one may use all means against one’s enemies.’<ref> Richelieu, Political Testament, 1662, p. 9</ref> By 1614 the young prelate had achieved a reputation as a capable administrator and regularly attended meetings of the Estates-General (French Parliament), where his oratory impressed many. Richelieu country itself was a member of the dévot party and a very strong supporter of Roman Catholicism and held pro-Spanish viewsstill largely feudal society.<ref> CollinsBergin, p. 13 </ref>

The young bishop came to local nobility and magnates dominated the attention of localities, and they were the queende-regent, Marie de Medici, who asked Richelieu to attend the Royal Court. Richelieu became chaplain of the young queen Anne facto rulers in 1615their lands. She was The great noble families such as the wife of Louis XIIConde owned massive estates, who was too young and they even had their private armies. These noble families owed more allegiance to themselves than to rule in his own name and power really rested with his mother Marie de MediciFrance. Richelieu The nobility was a political genius factionalized, and soon he was appointed Secretary of State for War. However, his patron Marie de Medici fell from grace with they constantly quarreled and fought each other to gain influence and even intrigued by the Hapsburgs against their king because of court-politics and it seemed that Richelieu’s career was over.<ref>LeviCollins, AnthonyJames B. <i>Cardinal Richelieu and the Making of The State In Early Modern France</i>. New York(Cambridge: Carroll and Graf, 2000Cambridge University Press 1995), p. 11215</ref> However, Richelieu managed to reconcile The actual power of the queen-mother and her son and he eventually monarch was minimal. The king in France was rewarded with dependent upon the position of Chief Minister nobles to raise taxes and an army. If the aristocrats did not want to cooperate with the backing of Louis XII king, he began was in great difficulties. Many found this situation intolerable and demanded reforms, especially the transformation of French societymiddle class and urban elites.

The king also secured a Cardinal’s hat for == Who was Cardinal Richelieu? ==Cardinal Richelieuwas born in 1585, during one of France’s many Religious Wars. The French statesman Richelieu was committed to furthering the power son of the monarchy Lord of Richelieu and Francea member of the minor nobility. In pursuit of this<ref> Bergin, he attacked the Huguenots and began to erode their power basep. 4</ref> He reformed the navy was educated in Paris Collège de Navarre, a brilliant student he was well-versed in history and the armyclassics. He also reformed the bureaucracy and sought had originally intended to curb the power of military, but his family decided that he should enter the noblespriesthood. Much of his time in power In April 1607, after receiving a papal dispensation as he was only 21, he was an effort to centralize powerordained as a priest and bishop at Lucon. He Richelieu was dependent upon the king’s favor very ambitious and confidence but Louis XIII, an indolent and enigmatic man, gave Richelieu, great leeway to pursue studied the policies that he thought were best for the kingdomworks of Machiavelli. The Cardinal was often embroiled in disputes with noble factions but the support extent of the monarch allowed him to initiate key reforms and radical policiesItalian political philosopher's influence can be seen in Richelieu’s cynical aphorisms, especially in his Testament Politique (1641).

The Cardinal sought to establish an Absolute Monarchy in FranceHis most famous epigram is ‘one may use all means against one’s enemies.’<ref>Richelieu, where the king would be<i>Political Testament, obeyed through the land and the feudal nobility no longer acted like independent lords. He suppressed several conspiracies and rebellions and limited the powers of the nobility.1662<ref/i> Collins, p. 1159</ref> Richelieu was very much By 1614, the young prelate had achieved a reputation as a ‘realist’ in international affairs capable administrator and he allied himself with Protestant nationsregularly attended meetings of the Estates-General (French Parliament), though a Catholic to strengthen the position of where his beloved France in Europeoratory impressed many. He intervened in Richelieu was a member of the Thirty Years War dévot party and changed the direction a powerful supporter of that conflictRoman Catholicism and held pro-Spanish views. Richelieu died hated by many in 1642 and his work was continued by his handpicked successor Cardinal Mazarin<ref>Collins, who completed his old masters work and created an absolute monarchy in Francep.13 </ref>

====Government Reform====The young bishop came to the queen regent's attention, Marie de Medici, who asked Richelieu made sweeping changes to attend the way that France was governed he expanded Royal Court. Richelieu became the standing army and chaplain of the navyyoung Queen Anne in 1615. He also made sure that they were regularly funded by She was the Royal Treasury for the first timewife of Louis XII, who was too young to rule in his name, and power rested with his mother, Marie de Medici. Richelieu was eager to remove the influence of the nobility from the bureaucracy a political genius, and soon he opened the civil service to commonerswas appointed Secretary of State for War. However, many his patron Marie de Medici fell from grace with the king because of these bought their positions court-politics, and this lead to nepotism it seemed that Richelieu’s career was over.<ref>Levi, Anthony. <i>Cardinal Richelieu and corruption in the later years Making of Richelieu’s France<ref/i> Collins. New York: Carroll and Graf, 2000), p. 115112</ref>However, Richelieu managed to reconcile the queen-mother and her son. The Cardinal did make He eventually was rewarded with the bureaucracy more efficient position of Chief Minister, and made sure that with the royal budget was balanced. His most important reforms were in local government. Traditionally backing of Louis XII, he began the local notables had been free to do what they like, they were expected to administer their districttransformation of French society.

This was The king also secured a relic of feudalism and Cardinal’s hat for Richelieu believed that it . The French statesman was not suitable for a modern state. He persuaded Louis XIII committed to appoint an ‘intendant’ or official to every district furthering the power of the monarchy and they would administer France. In pursuit of this, he attacked the areaHuguenots and began to erode their power base. This did much to reduce He reformed the influence of navy and the local notables but they still had immense powersarmy. The appointment of government officials did much He also reorganized the bureaucracy and sought to curb the authority and freedom power of provincial the nobles. Richelieu administrative reforms did much to change France from a feudal Much of his time in power was an effort to a modern statecentralize power. However, this He was arguably not finished until dependent upon the French Revolutionking’s favor and confidence. Still, Louis XIII, an indolent and enigmatic man, gave Richelieu also had many castles and fortresses demolished and this reduced great leeway to pursue the ability of policies that he thought were best for the nobility to defy their monarch, however they were still able to recruit large private armies from among their tenants and retainerskingdom. The new administration also meant more taxes for Cardinal was often embroiled in disputes with noble factions, but the peasantry monarch's support allowed him to initiate fundamental reforms and there were many peasant uprisings during the Cardinal’s ministryradical policies.<ref>Bergin, p. 116</ref>

The Cardinal sought to establish an Absolute Monarchy in France, where the king would be, obeyed through the land, and the feudal nobility no longer acted like independent lords. He suppressed several conspiracies and rebellions and limited the powers of the nobility.<ref> Collins, p. 115</ref> Richelieu was very much a ‘realist’ in international affairs. He allied himself with Protestant nations, though a Catholic, to strengthen his position beloved France in Europe. He intervened in the Thirty Years War and changed the direction of that conflict. Richelieu died hated by many in 1642. His work was continued by his hand-picked successor Cardinal Mazarin, who completed his old master's work and created an absolute monarchy in France. ==How did Richelieu reform the French Government? ==HuguenotsRichelieu made sweeping changes to how France was governed. He expanded the standing army and the navy. He also made sure that the Royal Treasury regularly funded them for the first time. Richelieu was eager to remove the nobility's influence from the bureaucracy, and he opened the civil service to commoners. However, many of these bought their positions, leading to nepotism and corruption in the later years of Richelieu’s.<ref> Collins, p. 115</ref> The Cardinal did make the bureaucracy more efficient and made sure that the royal budget was balanced. His most important reforms were in local government. Traditionally the local notables had been free to do what they like; they were expected to administer their district.  <dh-ad/> This was a relic of feudalism, and Richelieu believed 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's 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, which reduced the nobility's ability 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> ==Why did Cardinal Richelieu attack the French Huguenots? ==

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 action led to a rebellion , and Richelieu besieged one of their main strongholds La Rochelle. This siege was The Cardinal personally directed by the Cardinal this siege, and he imitated Alexander the Great's 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 because of personal philosophy ‘First, all means to conciliate; failing that, all means to crush’ 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. == What was Cardinal Richelieu's role in the Thirty Years War? == [[File: Battle of Lens.jpeg|200px|thumb|left| 19th-century painting of the Battle of Lens (1648)]]Richelieu was unique among politicians of the time as he put his king's needs 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 his fellow Catholics' power, the Hapsburgs.<ref> Levi, p. 123</ref>  This dynasty ruled in Spain and 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. Through subsidies, he supported 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).  The Cardinal used all the resources of France to contain and defeat the Hapsburgs. He was concerned that the Hapsburgs sought to encircle and conquer France. He raised taxes to pay for the military campaigns. The increased taxes disproportionately targeted ordinary families and even caused localized famines. However, Richelieu's policies were continued with, and they eventually led to the French victory over the Spanish Hapsburgs at Lens in 1648. This is widely regarded as the end of the Hapsburgs' supremacy in Europe and was a victory that saw France's emergence as the most significant power in Europe. Richelieu did not live to implement all his plans, but he undoubtedly helped make France the preeminent power in seventeenth-century Europe. == How did Richelieu expand the power of the French Empire? ==Not only did Richelieu help to make France the greatest power in Europe, but he was also instrumental in the establishment of a French overseas Empire. His Navy reforms meant that the French could secure new colonies, especially in the eighteenth century. When he came to power, the French colony in New France (Canada) was in decline. He revived the fortunes of the colony by the formation of the ‘Company of New France.’  This shift helped boost trade between the colony and France, which encouraged many French emigrants to settle in the territory. Richelieu encouraged the settlers to live in harmony with the Native Americans, which did much to strengthen the French colony. The Cardinal was one of the pivotal figures in the history of Quebec and Francophone Canada.

==Conclusion ==Thirty Years War====[[File: Battle of Lens.jpeg|200px|thumb|left|19th century painting of the Battle of Lens (1648)]]Richelieu was unique among statemen one of the time as he put the needs of his king before that of his religiongreatest figures in Early Modern Europe. He devised changed France from a feudal society into a strategy that promoted and safeguarded modern state. He was instrumental in the geopolitical interests establishment of the Absolute Monarchy in France. Despite being an early adherent of the Devot party, because he was determined managed to limit curb the power of his fellow Catholics the HapsburgsFrench nobility.<ref> Levi, p. 123</ref> This dynasty ruled in Spain His foreign policy effectively ended the Hapsburg threat to France and in Austria and they dominated much made her one 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 perhaps the Hapsburgs seemed most powerful kingdom 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)continent.

The Cardinal used all the resources of France Richelieu died before his policies came to contain and defeat fruition, but his protégé Mazarin ensured that the HapsburgsCardinal plans were carried out. He believed This meant that if they were not that they would encircle and even conquer FranceFrench society was utterly changed. The taxes raised to pay for the military campaigns led to real hardships for many ordinary people and even caused localized famines. HoweverRichelieu also had a very modern outlook, Richelieu policies were continued with and they eventual led to he created the French victory over the Spanish Hapsburgs at Lens in 1648. This is widely regarded as the end apparatus of the Hapsburgs supremacy in Europe a modern nation-state and was a victory that saw laid the emergence of France as foundations for the greatest power future French Empire in EuropeNorth America. Richelieu did not live His last words to implement all the king, before he died, sum up his plans but he undoubtedly helped to make France achievements.<ref> Collins, p. 114</ref> Richelieu said< "I have the preeminent power consolation of leaving your kingdom in seventeenth century Europethe highest degree of glory and reputation."

====Richelieu and the French Empire====Not only did Richelieu help to make France the greatest power in Europe he was also instrumental in the establishment However, all of this came at a French overseas Empirecost. His reforms of the navy meant that After his death, the French could secure new colonies especially nobility revolted in two wars known as the eighteenth century. When he came to power the French colony in New Fronde, which devastated France (Canada) was in decline. He revived the fortunes of the colony by the formation of the ‘Company of New France’. This helped His military campaigns and administrative reforms led to boost trade between the colony and France widespread poverty, rebellion, and this encouraged many French emigrants to settle famine in the colonycountryside. Richelieu encouraged the settlers to live did make France great, but in harmony with the Native Americans and this did much doing so, he caused many millions to strengthen the French colonysuffer. The Cardinal No wonder he was one of the pivotal figures in the history of Quebec and Francophone Canadasuch a divisive figure who was either hated or loved.

<div class="portal" style='float:left; width:35%'>==Conclusion==Related Articles====Richelieu was one of the greatest figures in Early Modern Europe. He changed France from a feudal society into a modern state. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Absolute Monarchy in France because he managed to curb the power of the {{#dpl:category=French nobility. His foreign policy effectively ended the Hapsburg threat to France and made her one of, or perhaps the most powerful kingdom on the continent. Richelieu, died before his policies came to fruition but his protégé Mazarin ensured that the plans of the Cardinal were carried out. This meant that French society was utterly changed. Richelieu also had a very modern outlook and he created the apparatus of a modern nation state and laid the foundations for the future French Empire in North America. His last words to the king, before he died, sum up his achievements <ref> Collins, p. 114History|ordermethod=firstedit|order=descending|count=8}}</refdiv>I have the consolation of leaving your kingdom in the highest degree of glory and of reputation</ref> 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.