The French Monarchy in 1643 Flashcards
What edict did Richelieu achieve that permanently weakened the Huguenot’s ability to rebel?
The Edict of Grace, 1629
How did Richelieu develop French propaganda?
Academie Francaise pamphleteers - defended and glorified Rich.
- Royal press presented government opinion as fact
How did Richelieu circumvent royal procedure?
- Chambres l’Arsenal - quickly tried and removed royal opponents
- Weakened Paris Parlement and its right to remonstrance against royal edicts, increasing royal power.
- Also infringed Parlement’s liberties further by handpicking judges in 1643 - meant Parlement lost prestige as well as revenue
- Intendents supervised judicial affairs and civil cases - sovereign courts overruled
Where did Richelieu extend government administration to to increase royal control in the provinces?
Dauphine, Provence and Burgundy
What else did Richelieu do to increase royal power provincially?
Increased intendent use and power - used troops to enforce taxation in 1642 for example.
Name three of Richelieu’s goals regarding France and Europe.
- wanted to weaken Habsburg power (problem of Habsburg encirclement) to limit invasions along France’s eastern border
- Take Alsace to increase border security
- Frustrate the ambitions of Spanish King Philip IV
In what year did France enter the 30 Years War
1635
What territories did France capture during the 30 Years War?
Alsace and Rhine Bridgeheads - achieving Richelieu’s goal of gaining a stronger eastern border. Now in a much stronger position
Laid the foundations of French-European dominance
What unsettled the monarchy’s natural Catholic supporters by 1643?
Ongoing Huguenot religious freedom
A protestant war against Spain that increased poverty.
Name two royal family members who opposed the Protestant war against Spain and royal policies.
Gaston d’Orleans - repeatedly tried removing Richelieu and even plotted his murder 1641-2
Anne of Austria - confessed to treasonable correspondence with her brother, a Cardinal of Spain
What did Louis XIII do that inspired future aristocratic rebellion?
Despite Clinq-Mers’ execution in 1642, Louis XIII absolved other conspirators, including Gaston and the Duc de Bouillion, who were involved in the murder plot against Richelieu, as well as Anne of Austria
… of Parlements created conditions for habitual opposition and revolt
Royal treatment of Parlements created conditions for habitual opposition and revolt
What two provinces openly defied royal policy and how did they do it?
Aix and Rouen in 1642 - rejected Chambres de Requetes
How much did the 30 Years War cost on average per annum?
25m livres - govt expenses outran revenue and debt interest spiralled
What was tax collection like?
Corrupt and wasteful - only 75% of Gabelle collected in 1641
How common was tax evasion in 1643?
Tax evasion was widespread in 1643
How much of France was comprised of pay d’etats and how much of taxes did they contribute to?
Comprised 1/3 of France, but paid 10% of all taxes
As a result of widespread tax evasion, what did revenue become increasingly dependent on?
High interest rentes and office sales
How high were interest rates at this point to increase revenue?
20-33%, breaking the 5.5% legal limit
How many more administrative posts were sold than what was required in order to increase revenue and decrease debt?
By 1642 - 40,000 more posts than administration required?
Where was there a revolt against taxes in 1643?
Orleans. Meant no opportunity remained to increase taxation without the risk of further revolt
What was the state of Richelieu’s army in 1643?
Undisciplined and not big or good enough to decisively defeat its enemies.
How did corrupt commanders and some intendants cheat muster rolls?
By borrowing other regiments troops, temporarily recruiting peasants or retaining dead soldiers on pay rolls
How were French troops treated and how did they act?
Often unpaid and prone to looting and extortion
