# Armand-Jean du Plessis, duc de Richelieu

> French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)

**Wikidata**: [Q26702](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26702)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinal_Richelieu)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/armand-jean-du-plessis-duc-de-richelieu

## Summary
Armand-Jean du Plessis, duc de Richelieu, was a French clergyman, cardinal, nobleman, and statesman (1585–1642) who served as the chief minister of France under King Louis XIII. He is best known for his role in consolidating royal authority, promoting the French monarchy, and shaping France’s political and religious policies during a turbulent period.

## Biography
- Born: September 9, 1585, in La Rochefoucauld, France
- Nationality: French
- Education: Studied at the University of Paris and the College of Sorbonne
- Known for: Leading France as chief minister and shaping its political and religious policies
- Employer(s): Académie Française, IN Group, Company of One Hundred Associates
- Field(s): Politics, diplomacy, religious policy

## Contributions
- **Political Leadership**: Served as the chief minister of France from 1624 to 1642, overseeing key decisions that strengthened the monarchy’s power.
- **Religious Policy**: Played a significant role in the Edict of Nantes (1629), which granted religious tolerance to Huguenots.
- **Military Strategy**: Advised on military campaigns, including the Siege of La Rochelle (1627–1628), a major conflict during the French Wars of Religion.
- **Cultural Influence**: Commissioned and collected artworks, including paintings by Andrea Mantegna and Leonardo da Vinci, contributing to France’s cultural legacy.

## FAQs
**What was Armand-Jean du Plessis, duc de Richelieu’s primary role in French politics?**
He served as the chief minister of France from 1624 to 1642, advising King Louis XIII on political, military, and religious matters.

**How did Richelieu influence France’s religious policies?**
He played a key role in the Edict of Nantes (1629), which granted religious tolerance to Huguenots, easing tensions between Catholics and Protestants.

**What major military campaigns did Richelieu oversee?**
He advised on the Siege of La Rochelle (1627–1628), a pivotal conflict during the French Wars of Religion.

**Which institutions did Richelieu support or affiliate with?**
He was associated with the Académie Française, IN Group, and the Company of One Hundred Associates, which engaged in fur trading in Canada.

**What artworks did Richelieu commission or collect?**
He owned and commissioned works by Andrea Mantegna, Leonardo da Vinci, and Pietro Perugino, contributing to France’s cultural heritage.

## Why They Matter
Armand-Jean du Plessis, duc de Richelieu, was instrumental in shaping France’s political and religious landscape during a period of significant upheaval. His leadership as chief minister consolidated royal authority, promoted the Edict of Nantes, and influenced military strategy. His contributions to French culture through art collections further cemented his legacy. Without Richelieu, France’s political and religious policies during the 17th century would have been significantly different, with potential long-term consequences for its governance and social harmony.

## Notable For
- **Chief Minister of France**: Served from 1624 to 1642, advising King Louis XIII on key political and military decisions.
- **Edict of Nantes**: Played a central role in drafting the 1629 edict, which granted religious tolerance to Huguenots.
- **Siege of La Rochelle**: Advised on the 1627–1628 siege, a major conflict during the French Wars of Religion.
- **Art Collector**: Commissioned and owned notable works by Andrea Mantegna, Leonardo da Vinci, and Pietro Perugino.
- **Political Strategist**: Strengthened the French monarchy’s power through diplomatic and military advice.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Armand-Jean du Plessis, duc de Richelieu, was born on September 9, 1585, in La Rochefoucauld, France. He studied at the University of Paris and the College of Sorbonne, where he developed a strong foundation in theology and politics.

### Political Career
Richelieu began his political career as a diplomat and advisor to King Louis XIII. His rise to prominence came in 1624 when he was appointed chief minister, a position he held until his death in 1642. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping France’s political and religious policies.

### Religious Policy and the Edict of Nantes
One of Richelieu’s most significant contributions was his role in the Edict of Nantes (1629), which granted religious tolerance to Huguenots. This edict eased tensions between Catholics and Protestants, promoting a degree of religious harmony that had been lacking in previous decades.

### Military Leadership
Richelieu advised on several major military campaigns, including the Siege of La Rochelle (1627–1628). This conflict was a pivotal moment during the French Wars of Religion, where he demonstrated his strategic prowess and commitment to royal authority.

### Cultural Influence
Richelieu was an art collector and patron, commissioning and owning works by notable artists such as Andrea Mantegna, Leonardo da Vinci, and Pietro Perugino. His collection contributed to France’s cultural legacy and reflected his appreciation for artistic excellence.

### Legacy and Impact
Armand-Jean du Plessis, duc de Richelieu, left a lasting impact on French politics, religion, and culture. His leadership as chief minister, his role in the Edict of Nantes, and his military strategy all shaped the course of France’s history during the 17th century. His contributions to art and culture further ensured his place in France’s intellectual and artistic heritage.

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