Kardinal Richelieu

Armand Jean du Plessis was born on September 9, 1585, in Paris to a family of minor nobility. His father Francois du Plessis served as Grand Provost of France under Henry III.

His father died when Armand was only five years old, leaving the family in difficult financial circumstances during the French Wars of Religion.

Richelieu began his education at the prestigious College de Navarre in Paris, where he excelled. He showed early aptitude for rhetoric and philosophy.

When his older brother chose monastic life, Richelieu was redirected to an ecclesiastical career to secure the family's bishopric of Lucon.

Richelieu was consecrated Bishop of Lucon, becoming the youngest bishop in France with a special dispensation from Pope Paul V.

Richelieu represented the clergy of Poitou at the Estates-General of 1614. His eloquent speech brought him to the attention of the royal court.

Through Marie de' Medici's patronage, Richelieu was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Richelieu was elevated to Cardinal by Pope Gregory XV, recognizing his ecclesiastical service and growing political influence.

Louis XIII made Richelieu Chief Minister, beginning 18 years of dominant influence over French policy. He became the architect of French absolutism.

Richelieu personally directed the siege of La Rochelle, the Huguenot stronghold. He ordered a massive sea wall to block English relief ships.

After 14 months, La Rochelle surrendered. Richelieu's victory broke the military power of the Huguenots while preserving their religious rights.

Marie de' Medici and nobles plotted to remove Richelieu. The 'Day of the Dupes' ended with Louis XIII reaffirming support for the Cardinal.

Richelieu brought France into the Thirty Years' War against the Habsburgs. His policy of raison d'etat prioritized national interests.

Richelieu founded the Academie Francaise to standardize French language and promote literature. This institution remains active today.

Spanish forces captured Corbie, threatening Paris. Richelieu rallied French resistance, and the town was recaptured.

Richelieu completed the Palais-Cardinal (later Palais-Royal), demonstrating his immense wealth and power.

Richelieu exploited the Catalan revolt against Spain, accepting Catalonia under French protection.

Cardinal Richelieu died on December 4, 1642. He had transformed France into the dominant European power and established absolutist government.