Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal-Duc de Richelieu, was a French statesman who served under King Louis XIII, King Louis XIV and King Louis XV. His uncle, Cardinal Louis du Plessis, was the bishop of Luçon. He began his career as a lawyer in the parlement of Brittany, then joined the clergy. He rose quickly through the church hierarchy and became bishop of Luçon in 1606
King Henry IV named him lieutenant general of Languedoc in 1608. Richelieu soon rose to power as the chief adviser to the king. Richelieu was born into a prominent family with many branches, his father being a first cousin of Cardinal Jules Mazarin.
His father's influence had a profound impact on him and he would later say: "He was my principal master". After gaining the position of Prime Minister in 1617, he created an enduring system of patronage that ensured that his family would hold power for generations. Richelieu established a sovereign state within the state known as the Kingdom of France and built up an elite army of 40,000 men called "Les Gardes Françaises". He converted France into a great imperial power and developed a centralised administration and a strong army that won victories against Sweden and Spain.
He expanded France's worldwide influence and prestige. In 1624, he reached an agreement with Pope Urban VIII (in exchange for Scholasticism) whereby "France was made protector of the Papacy" (also known as an alliance with the papacy). Even though he died before becoming Pope (1643), Richelieu was one of history's most powerful rulers; his system has been followed ever since by all nations whose rulers have wanted to control their nations' defences and foreign policy.
Although some historians consider him an unjust ruler (he implemented taxes without consent from Parliament), he is remembered as one of France's greatest leaders; "If there is any doubt about his greatness it should be removed by considering that for fifty years he had no equal on either side of the Channel." Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Man is immortal, his salvation is hereafter, The state has no immortality, its salvation is now or neverCardinal Richelieu
War is one of the scourges with which it has pleased God to afflict men.Cardinal Richelieu
To know how to dissimulate is the knowledge of kings.Cardinal Richelieu
Carry on any enterprise as if all future success depended on it.Cardinal Richelieu
