Explain what the cardinal saw as his services to France and the king.

Explain what the cardinal saw as his services to France and the king. What role in the life of the state did Richelieu assign by the nobles to a common people?

Armand Jean du Plessis became the cardinal of France and devoted himself entirely to serving the king and strengthening the state. Richelieu’s policy systematically destroyed the power of the Huguenots and their influence on the king. Castles and land were confiscated from influential Huguenot barons. They were also forbidden to have paramilitary units. The recalcitrant representatives of noble families were executed and their property passed to the royal treasury. The cardinal put a lot of effort into abolishing the institution of commissary and concentrating the administrative power of the provinces in the hands of the monarch. Only nobles who shared Richelieu’s policy were nominated for public office.

In relation to the common people, Richelieu advocated a reduction in taxes, but at the same time expressed that the people should be kept in complete obedience. Education was not available to the common people and, according to Richelieu, an educated people would not work fruitfully. And this could lead to a decline in the kingdom’s trade and economy.