1. Development of French Absolutism

2. Henry IV Foundation of French Absolutism
Most beloved of French monarch

3. Policies
Political
Taxation - Paulette
Economic - Duke of Sully

4. Assassination Assassinated in 1610 Catholic fanatic, Ravaillac
Feared king was plotting against the pope

5. Execution of Ravaillac

6. Power Struggle Nobles force Marie to call Estates General
Regent for 9 year old Louis XIII
Nobles want to reassert power over 3rd Estate (Bourgeoisie)
Extreme hostility between groups
Dismissed

7. Louis XIII (1610-1643) Sickly and timid man
Understood need for strong government
Dominated by his mother and later by Cardinal Richelieu

8. French Absolutism Armand Jean du Plessis, Duc de Richelieu
Cardinal
Chief Minister
Louis exiles Marie rather than lose his chief minister
“Raison d’etat”

9. Foreign Policy Anti-Hapsburg Supports Lutherans in Germany
Direct involvement in 30 Years’ War

10. Domestic Policy Eliminate opposition to the monarchy Pacify nobility
Ailing Cardinal takes two nobles to their executions for conspiracy at Lyon in 1642
“The State Barge of Cardinal Richelieu on the Rhone”

11. Domestic Policy Eliminate opposition to the monarchy
Revoke military provision of Edict of Nantes
Besieged La Rochelle in 1627
Principal Huguenot fortress-city
14 months
5,000 out of 26,000 survived
Huguenots allowed their beliefs

12. Louis’ Death Richelieu dies in 1642 Louis dies in 1643
Appoints Cardinal Mazarin
Louis dies in 1643
Chateau de Cheverny
Loire Valley
No medieval remnants
Built entirely in the 17th century
Louis XIII style
Square pavilions flanking the central pile