Cardinal Richelieu Research Paper

Cardinal Richelieu was born September 9th 1585 in Paris, France into a French family consisting of four siblings, which were also Roman Catholic. Richelieu’s birth name was Armand-Jean du Plessis. Through out Richelieu early years his parents noticed that he was different from any other child at his age range, he had a great capacity of common sense and intelligence for his age. While Cardinal Richelieu was excelling through the early years of school he suffered from a devastating lost of his dad, François du Plessis. François du Plessis was a known solider and courtier who served as the Grand Provost of France. No one in France would expect François du Plessis to die fighting because he was a great solider like no one has seen. Cardinal Richelieu had no choice but to overlook his father’s death and keep pushing forward, he was now forced to look up to his mother Susanne de La Porte. Susanne de La Porte was well known in France for being a daughter of a famous jurist. As time continued to press on Richelieu was becoming well known in school because of his early academics achievements. At the age of nine he was extremely intelligent and was sent to a college of Navarre in Paris to study philosophy. His college professors were truly amazed by this young mans
intelligence and academic scores. Richelieu went on and continued his school works. At the age of 21 he was nominated by King Henry IV to become Bishop of Lucon. While being a Bishop Richelieu remained humbled to his king and to his mother. The king had great faith in Richelieu, because he never failed to do what he was asked. Susanne de La Porte was excited when she found out of the good news that her became a highly respected bishop of France. In 1608 Richelieu went out for six years and devoted himself seriously to his Episcopal duties. Even though Richelieu was a bishop he was still searching for a higher carrier, where his name would mean more to the people of France. Richelieu’s mother never expected him to go in to religion, she expected him to go to military, while his older brother Alphonse would be the religious one. Alphose the older brother of Richelieu suffered from mental problems that stopped him from becoming what his family had planed out for him. Richelieu was very disappointed so he decided to take the role and go in to a religion. In 1622, Pope Gregory appointed him a Cardinal. Richelieu finally begin to believe that this is what he was called for, most of his ancestors severed the monarchy, so this ment a lot to him because he was following in his dads footsteps. Richelieu was made prime Minister under Louis XIII 1624. Richelieu now felt that everything was going well for him. He believed that he was fulfilling the duties that the almighty God called him to be. Susanne de La Porte thought that things couldn’t get any better for her and her family.
Richelieu brought great honor to his family for doing what his dad did but even better. In 1627 there was a huge political corruption and great problems with the protestant Huguenots. Richelieu seen all these things as a problem because they would get in the way of his goals. In 1628 he defeated a Huguenot rebellion and although they were banned from military service, he allowed them to take part in their religious activities. By 1931 he bought a halt to the Huguenot and their rebellion actins to an end. Since Richelieu knew that he had power he over through all the old officials and put new people into the
government. Richelieu had many great talents such as public speaking, paining, and many more. He built the Palais Royal beginning in 1624, out of the whole court only the second court remains today. Richelieu was on the path to greatness, like no other, his name was being filled with greatness, respect, and power. His family was so impressed with his works no one expected this from him except his mother. Richelieu’s mother had so much faith in him, because she knew ever since he was little he was different, and he would excel like no other in his family. As Richelieu was rising to power, hatred was also coming his way. In 1630, Marie de Medici was plotting against Richelieu to get rid of him once and for all. While this was going the king was very ill, on a cliff looking down at death. The want Richelieu out no matter what it took so she blamed him for the king’s illness. As time went on the king became healthier, and Mari de Medici fled to Spanish territory. Due to the queen Richelieu lost all the respect he once had, he wasn’t liked anymore. His position was depending on the king’s favor. In 1627 Richelieu sets out to secure Supremacy of the crown. Richelieu desired to get the respect of the people, which he once had. He started to pray and seek God for answers on how to become liked again. In a dream he believed that God spoke to him and gave him wisdom. He believed that God spoke to him and told him something so simple as “be yourself, and you will be highly favored amongst your people.” So Richelieu took those words into action and applied it to his daily life and slowly he felt the kindness and respect of his people coming back. As time was progressing he found himself to be considered by people to be one of the greatest politicians in France. Richelieu had many quality that a lot of his family members that have, he was a prime minister of France he was a statesman, and noble man. Some of Richelieu’s families believed that he fulfilled everything God had in store for him from the very early age of his childhood. His mother quoted “I knew my son was different, I knew he had great potential, and it was my duty as a mother to make sure he reached it.” At the age of 53 he suffered with malaria and dead four years after. Richelieu dominated the history of France since 1624 until his death. He was considered to be one of the greatest Prime Ministers in France.

I learned a lot from Cardinal Richelieu and how he was a hard worker. Richelieu was very determined to become whatever he wanted to, he strived for success and nothing less. I also learned that he went to college at an early age, and was also appointed Bishop at an early age. That is why I chose Cardinal Richelieu to be my topic.