How did Cardinal Richelieu
Cardinal Richelieu
Cardinal Armand Jean du Plessis, Duke of Richelieu, commonly referred to as Cardinal Richelieu (UK:, US:; French: Cardinal de Richelieu), was a French clergyman and statesman. He was consecrated as a bishop in 1607 and was appointed Foreign Secretary in 1616. Richelieu s…
How did Cardinal Richelieu strengthen royal control in France?
Cardinal Richelieu, strengthened self-government, sought to destroy the power of the Huguenots and nobles. What did Cardinal Richelieu want to do with the royal authority? He wanted to strengthen it by destroying of the Huguenots and the nobles. He reduced their independence and tied the nobles to the king.
How did the monarchy get stronger in France?
monarchy got stronger in France due to the loss of power by the nobles. the king weakens the nobles by taking away their castles , so they had no protection, similarly the king orders the french protestants to knock down their wall.
What is Richelieu known for?
Richelieu's time as chief minister is notable for many reasons. He attacked the Huguenots; reformed the navy and army; crushed any rebellions and advanced royal absolutism; he raised money by any methods required and he supervised a foreign policy that was designed to make France the greatest power in Europe.
Was Richelieu successful?
Richelieu was successful in this endeavour, mediating between her and her son. Complex negotiations bore fruit when the Treaty of Angoulême was ratified; Marie de Médicis was given complete freedom, but would remain at peace with the King. The Queen-Mother was also restored to the royal council.
Which monarch was the most successful?
The Most Successful Absolute Monarch in Europe was Louis XIV of France. Of all the absolute rulers in Europe, by far the best example of one, and the most powerful, was Louis XIV of France. Although Louis had some failures, he also had many successes.
Who created a strong monarchy in England?
Capetians establish strong monarchy. One of the most powerful Capetians was William II (c. 1028–1087), the duke of Normandy, a duchy in northwestern France. He expanded his territory by crossing the English Channel (a body of water between France and England) and launching the Norman conquest of England (1066–70).
How did Cardinal Richelieu reform the government?
How did Richelieu reform the French Government? Richelieu 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.
When was Cardinal Richelieu power?
Armand-Jean du Plessis, cardinal et duc de Richelieu, byname the Red Eminence, French l'Éminence Rouge, (born September 9, 1585, Richelieu, Poitou, France—died December 4, 1642, Paris), chief minister to King Louis XIII of France from 1624 to 1642.
Why was Cardinal Richelieu important?
Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642) was one of the most significant leaders in France 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. Click to see full answer.
How did Cardinal Richelieu affect French settlement in North America?
Furthermore, how did Cardinal Richelieu affect French settlement in North America? he founded a company to invest in new france and give lands to catholic settlers. he invested heavily in the fur trade. D. he lobbied the pope to issue a papal decree giving france complete control of north america.
How did Richelieu influence the French nobles?
Richelieu restlessly worked toward bringing French nobles into the fold, especially by encroaching on their political and judiciary independence from the King. One of the most symbolic items of this agenda was the ban placed upon duels (which were still very common and decimated the French nobility) under pain of death. This legislation lead to the execution of several notorious noblemen who had breeched it, and was hugely controversial at the time.
What did Richelieu want to do?
2/Once the Protestants had calmed down, the nobles still had to be subdued. They had, indeed, to show obedience to the king, like everyone else. And Richelieu wanted to repress their temptations of rebellion with energy. First, he began by ordering the demolition of castles and then in a famous edict, it prohibits them to resort to private revenge and to settle their accounts by duels of honor. Certain nobles like Count de Bouteville did not accept what they considered to be an attack on their privileges, and for having violated the edict, he had his head cut off. Also, the nobles fomented incessant plots to overthrow Richelieu but he did not fold. The cardinal pitilessly beat all those who stood against him. "I mow everything," he said, "and then I cover everything with my purple." Even the queen-mother, Marie de Medici, took a stand against Richelieu during the famous Day of the Dupes (1630), and she was forced to take the paths of exile.
What was the truce between the Protestants and Catholics?
tearing down the power of French Protestants as an organized political entity. Following the bloodbath of the French Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants, a truce had been attained by Henri IV (Louis XIII’s father, himself born a Protestant who embraced Catholicism upon becoming King of France) thanks to the Edit de Nantes that allowed protestants to practice their faith. However, there were still major resentments on both sides, and occasional violences. Most importantly, the Protestants were endlessly suspect (and, to some extent, rightly so) of plotting, either to overthrow the French monarchy in favour of a republic (akin to what would happen in England under Cromwell) or another Protestant king. The symbol of this “état dans l’état” (state within the state), and one of Richelieu’s major concerns, were the military strongholds that had been granted to the protestants when the Edit de Nantes was signed. Richelieu decided to dismantle them and bring them back under royal jurisdiction. This lead to a conflict that culminated during the siege of La Rochelle. Despite the help they received from England, the Protestants were defeated and Richelieu succeeded.
What was Marie de Medici's fault?
1/The fault of Marie de Medici, in the time of the regency, had been to disturb the Protestants in their beliefs by attempting to bring them back by force to the Catholic faith. But the error was even greater for the Protestants to have thought they could separate from the rest of the country and form a kind of independent republic in the West, around La Rochelle. What they wanted was to constitute a state in the state, a little Calvinist France in the great kingdom of France. Unacceptable for Richelieu who intended to guarantee and preserve the unity of the French nation. He had no choice but to declare war on the Protestants. In 1628 he took away their last place de sûreté, La Rochelle, and destroyed their power by the peace of Alès and the Edict of Nîmes (1629 ), which took away their political privileges.
Why was Richelieu disliked?
On the home front, Richelieu was almost universally despised. He was disliked for his shrewd, brutal, and heavy-handed tactics. If not for Louis XIII, he would never have become prime minister. In addition, Richelieu a surprising amount for tolerance for the Huguenots, allowing many to rise high-ranking positions in the government and in the army.
What did the French break the back of the Huguenots?
He broke the back of the Huguenots, allowing the French Monarchy to rule without religious opposition, which caused so much bloodshed in previous reigns.
Why did Samuel de Champlain establish the Company of the Hundred Associates?
To support Samuel de Champlain and keep the post of Quebec, he founded the Company of the Hundred Associates and by the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye returned Canada to the French authority of Champlain, after the colony had been taken by the Kirkes brothers in 1629. This success allowed the colony to develop later and become the center of Francophone culture in North America.
How did Richelieu help the French?
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.’
How did Richelieu reform the French Government?
Richelieu 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. 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.
Why was France divided before the arrival of Cardinal Richelieu?
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. The international situation was destabilizing French society, which was divided between Catholic and Protestant (Huguenot).
Who was Cardinal Richelieu?
Cardinal Richelieu was born in 1585, during one of France’s many Religious Wars. Richelieu was the son of the Lord of Richelieu and a member of the minor nobility. He was educated in Paris Collège de Navarre, a brilliant student he was well-versed in history and the classics. He had originally intended to 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 Machiavelli. The extent of the Italian political philosopher's influence can be seen in Richelieu’s cynical aphorisms, especially in his Testament Politique (1641).
Why did Cardinal Richelieu attack the French Huguenots?
Richelieu attempted to revoke many of the privileges 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. The Cardinal personally directed this siege, and he imitated Alexander the Great's siege tactics to capture the strategic port.
What was Cardinal Richelieu's role in the Thirty Years War?
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.
How did Cardinal Richelieu help France?
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.
Why is monarchy important?
No longer shall the masses choose their leader, rather they shall have their deserved father figure to lead the nation to strength and glory. Monarchy brings grace and nobility to the nation.
How did Protestantism come to the Nobility?
Protestantism came to the nobility first as they were able to read the tracts and pamphlets proclaiming the return to primitive Christianity with its emphasis on the bible and preaching and the elimination of what they saw as man made religion. Originally Lutheran they soon adopted the faith as interpreted by a fellow Frenchman Jean Cauvin (John Calvin) living in exile in Geneva Switzerland. Thousands of refugees from France and Scotland came to be taught and act as missionaries.
What good would it do to return to proud soldiers donning pickelhauben goose-stepping to the tune of?
Imagine what good it would do to return to proud soldiers donning pickelhauben goose-stepping to the tune of Preußens Gloria in Berlin. National pride in Germany would soar, and the Germans would reclaim their rightful heritage that has been denied to them since the end of WWII.
Why did France start distributing bread?
The situation was completely different in England, where agricultural improvements had eliminated famines, but in France the monarchy was obliged to start distributing bread to try to lessen protests.
What were the Huguenots?
The Huguenots were as much political as they were religious. They represented a faction in France that at times contested the king’s edicts. That they had a separate army led by prominent members like Coligny and the Prince Of Conde was a danger to the king’s idea of a unified nation.
What was the Edict of Nantes?
The Edict Of Nantes was a treaty promulgated By Henri IV the first Bourbon king. He’d been raised a Protestant and his sister was a leader in the Protestant movement. Some peace was possible but still there was violence. Cities were divided between the two faiths. A massacre took place on Henri’s wedding day with as many as 50,000 Protestants killed over a two week period including Protestant leaders like Coligny.
Why did Samuel de Champlain establish the Company of the Hundred Associates?
To support Samuel de Champlain and keep the post of Quebec, he founded the Company of the Hundred Associates and by the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye returned Canada to the French authority of Champlain, after the colony had been taken by the Kirkes brothers in 1629. This success allowed the colony to develop later and become the center of Francophone culture in North America.
What was Louis XIV's greatest achievement?
One of his greatest accomplishments was the building of the palace at Versailles. Palace of Versailles. A large royal residence built in the seventeenth century by King Louis XIV of France, near Paris. The palace, with its lavishgardens and fountains, is a spectacular example of French classical architecture.
Why did Louis XIV persecute the Protestants?
Hugenots and Protestants began to be persecuted by Louis XIV. He did it so that he could create one religion over France.
What is the Prussian landed aristocracy?
Members of the Prussian landed aristocracy, a class formerly associated with political reaction and militarism.
Who ruled Brandenburg?
German royal family who ruled Brandenburg from 1415 and later extended their control to Prussia (1525). Under Frederick I (ruled 1701-1713) the family's possessions were unified as the kingdom of Prussia.
Why were the Puritans pleased with King James?
With them, King James' Catholic reign ended. As they were Protestant, the Puritans were pleased because only protestants could be office-holders.
Why did Richelieu want to succeed?
Any French involvement in European affairs might have given the Huguenots the freedom to expand in southern France. For Richelieu wishes to succeed, France needed internal stability and security. The Huguenots threatened this – hence the need to attack them.
What did Richelieu do to Louis XIII?
Richelieu then showed his political acumen by letting Louis XIII enter La Rochelle at the head of his army on November 1st 1628. Richelieu knew that this would appeal to the king who loved to ‘lead’ his troops. It certainly appealed to his vanity.
What was the Grace of Alais?
In June 1629, the Grace of Alais was signed. This reaffirmed the Edict of Nantes but ordered that the Huguenot military organisation should be broken up, Huguenot fortresses should be destroyed and Roman Catholicism should be restored to areas where it had formally existed between the Edict of Nantes and Alais. The political rights of the Huguenots were removed and the government no longer made money available to educate and support Protestant clergy. However, all the La Rochelle survivors could have been accused of treason and executed – so the Grace of Alais was seen as generous.
What was the role of the French in the Thirty Years War?
In 1624, the French became involved with the Spanish in the Thirty Years War over the Valtelline affair. With the central government so occupied, the Huguenots took the opportunity to expand their power base. In 1625, the Huguenots seized the strategically important islands of Ré and Oléron. Both of these defended the sea entrance of La Rochelle and thus aided what was considered to be the Huguenots capital. Such actions, seen as base treachery by Richelieu could not be tolerated.
What did Richelieu order to do?
Richelieu decided to cut off La Rochelle and starve out the people. He ordered that a huge mole be built across the harbour at La Rochelle which made any Huguenot attempt to land supplies impossible.
What was the role of Richelieu in the Huguenots?
The Huguenots viewed Richelieu appointment with great concern. Richelieu worked on the logic that France needed international respect in Europe.
How many circles did the Huguenots have?
By 1624, when Richelieu was appointed Chief Minister, the Huguenots had 8 “circles” in the south of France and a commander-in-chief with an army. They had created provincial assemblies and a general assembly – they were essentially a republic within a monarchy!

Why Was France Divided Before The Arrival of Cardinal Richelieu?
- In the early seventeenth century, France was one of Europe's leading powers, 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 int…
Who Was Cardinal Richelieu?
- Cardinal Richelieu was born in 1585, during one of France’s many Religious Wars. Richelieu was the son of the Lord of Richelieu and a member of the minor nobility.He was educated in Paris Collège de Navarre, a brilliant student he was well-versed in history and the classics. He had originally intended to the military, but his family decided that he should enter the priesthood. In A…
How Did Richelieu Reform The French Government?
- Richelieu 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 pos...
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 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. The Cardinal personally directed this siege, …
What Was Cardinal Richelieu's Role in The Thirty Years War?
- 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. This dynasty ruled in Spain and Austria, and they dominated m…
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 …
Conclusion
- 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 French nobility. His foreign policy effectively ended the Hapsburg threat to France and made her one of, or perhaps the mos…