Have you ever heard of Richelieu, a true political genius?

[Julie4]

[abc3643]

I have heard of Cardinal Richelieu but I really don't know anything about him in French history. Care to elaborate for us?

[Julie4]

It would be complicated to explain everything in detail, but I'll give you a brief summary. When Richelieu came to power, he was faced with a Fronde (internal revolt), external warfare and serious challenges to the monarchy's authorities.

He saved France from disloquation, put France in a dominant position during the 30 Years War, and centralized the state. He made alliances with Protestant states, he defended the national interest before religious/family interests, whereas in Europe of the time this kind of practice was common, and he laid the foundations of European equilibrium. Which led Kissinger to call him the father of the modern state system.

[abc3643]

I don't know what "disloquation" is but thank you for that elaboration.

[RavVid]

Yes - I follow. I was a bit surprised to see him in armor. All the others I have seen have been more cardinal.

[Julie4]

Richelieu did both 🤣🤣

[RavVid]

I subsequently googled pictures of him.

[Julie4]

This man's political achievements are quite impressive (Kissinger admired him). But he was hated in his day.

When Richelieu decided to organize the siege of La Rochelle against the rebellious Protestants, a city of 28,000 inhabitants, by the end of the siege only 5,000 survived.

[RavVid]

I knew he had impressive achievements.

I think there was a period when city walls were torn down but no other source than an old movie though.

Was that true? I am assuming it might have been done to reduce rebelliousness and cement monarchical control. Visited a city in Germany that was proud they still had city walls even though they were just earthworks..

[Jennz6]

No, I don’t know 🤷‍♀️ about the French men

[Jennz6]

@julie4
Richelieu is French, right?

[Julie4]

Yes lol

[FreyaRed]

Malicious gray eminence

[Julie4]

How do you know this name? What country are you from?

[FreyaRed]

4 Musketeers. Books, Movies and even Anime.

[Julie4]

Oh i see lol

[Joshydavid25]

Never have til now.. It's always nice to know thanks Julie..

[Julie4]

Kissinger devoted several pages to him in his book Diplomatie. He considers him to be the father of the modern state system.

[Joshydavid25]

The Modern state system of the West in general? In what way?

[Julie4]

Relationship based on national interests, centralization of the state, balance of powers.

[Joshydavid25]

I see, France came out with some heavy hitters in the Middle ages and the Victorian era it seems.. LOL..

[Julie4]

Not really in Victorian times 😅 Richelieu was the 17th century, France was a model for other European states, and our culture and language was predominant, it has changed a lot since then 🤣

[Julie4]

https://youtu.be/dD45diGGT2I?si=V6N-3oX5n4DUyZmu

[Joshydavid25]

Oh no I didn't mean just Richelieu.. I meant with the other important political figures that you mentioned who seemingly greatly impacted modern day political affairs like Rousseau.. Although I should've just said the 17th through 19th centuries.. 😅.

[ProbablyClueless]

I have! Certainly a forward thinking man for his time.

[Intheclouds00]

Cardinal Richileu? Keep religion out of politics is pretty well recognized as ideal.

[alice55]

I know the shoes by the same name

[DrPepper12]

Of course!! Towering figure!

[msc545]

es, a Cardinal I thhink?

[KostasKouvalis]

I have now

[Anonymous]

Who is that?

[Julie4]

The father of the modern state system

[Opinion Owner]

He looks impressive.

[Julie4]

He was. Even if in his time he was hated. It's true that he was a ruthless man.

[Opinion Owner]

Yes, I was going to say he also looks like a person not to be messed with.