How did the French monarchy consolidate power in the age of absolutism? What were the policies of Henry IV, Richelieu, Mazarin,

Question

Artist 52 [7]

3 years ago

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How did the French monarchy consolidate power in the age of absolutism? What were the policies of Henry IV, Richelieu, Mazarin,

Colbert, and Louis XIV that turned France into an absolutist state?

History

1 answer:

Nuetrik [128] · Answer 1 · 2022-04-15T15:47:23+03:00

Absolutism is the political regime that is characterized by the meeting of all powers in a single person. These political regimens are more commonly seen in monarchies and as such the French monarchy was no different.

Louis XIV was the best example of an absolute ruler, his infamous quote "I am the state" was statement that came from the steps it took to make it possible for him to rule unquestioned.

These included:

Subjugating the noble class
Creation of a bureaucratic state
Collecting taxes for the crown
A loyal and large army
Religious uniformity (Henry IV converted to catholicism in order to rule the largely catholic predominant country)

All these steps and policies along with help from Richelieu (eliminating domestic factions and restraining the power of the nobility), Mazarin (advocating the divine right of kings) and Colbert (raising taxes and tariffs to aid the State treasury of France) made it possible for the consolidation of the French monarchy in the 17th century.