France’s rise to power in the 17th century AD is marked by the concept of absolutism. An absolute monarchy was based on the belief that the sovereign is ultimately the sole ruler of the country and is accountable only to God. However, in the early 17th century the French state was dominated by Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642), an astute politician and strategist who expanded royal power and punished dissent ruthlessly. From 1629 he was chief minister and effective ruler of France. He ultimately built France into a great European power.

Richelieu’s rise to prominence began in 1614 as adviser to Marie de Medici who was regent for her son Louis XIII (reigned 1610-43). He secured the marriage of the king’s sister Henrietta Maria to Charles I of England, an alliance that threatened Spanish interests. Richelieu also set out to destroy the political power of the Huguenots (French Protestants).

Richelieu instituted an overall programme of state control over politics and culture. He monitored political radicalism as well as keeping in check any dissent amongst the French nobility. Ultimately Richelieu ensured that the framework and mechanisms of absolute monarchy were in place for Louis XIV when he succeeded to the throne in 1643.