Political Background of the French Revolution

Political Background Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642) - during the reign of the young Louis XIII (1601-1643), the central power of France was dominated by a powerful statesman, Cardinal Richelieu - through his friendship with Marie de Medici (young Louis’ advisor), he became involved in government decisions - his goals were: centralize and strengthen government. and abolish opposition to the crown - he weakened the nobles, strengthened mercantilism and destroying the power of the French Protestants - 1628: …

…Seven Years War and the American War of Independence - France continued borrowing money from other nations to try and keep their heads afloat. This and the restoration of parlements brought France closer to revolution. Versailles - Louis XIV pumped many funds into making Versailles a place of opulence and grandeur. His goal was to attract the nobility to Versailles and to take their minds of positions of power in various other locations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**