Cardinal Richelieu's Political Testament

Let's learn about Richelieu-- the "cornerstone of French absolutism"

• Cardinal Richelieu was appointed by Marie de’Medici to the council of ministers and a year later became the first minister of the French crown. 
• "Richelieu used his strong influence over King Louis XIII (who was only thirteen at the time) to exalt the French monarchy as the embodiment of the French state”

the true embodiment of the French

• Richelieu wanted complete submission of all groups to the French monarchy. 
• In his Political Testament, he talks about how the government had been overrun by Huguenots, government officials, and nobles who do what they want. 
• Richelieu wanted to curb the power of the nobility and crush conspiracies.

• He said that the people who had managed the king’s foreign and domestic affairs had done badly and that they should be replaced. 
• He said, “the sad state of your affairs seemed to force you to hasty decisions.”

Richelieu to King Louis XIII

• The Cardinal wanted the French monarchy to hold all power. This involves bringing down the Huguenot's party, discrediting the pride of the nobles, and bringing back the good reputation and power of the king. 
• Richelieu believed in the centralization of the monarchy’s power would bring France back to its former glory.

-Cory :)