Final answer:
Cardinal Richelieu reorganized France's government by centralizing power in the hands of the King, diminishing the influence of the nobility, and expanding the power of the centralized bureaucracy. He also pursued a policy of centralization and absolutism in foreign policy, setting the stage for Louis XIV's absolute monarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cardinal Richelieu, the chief minister of Louis XIII, played a key role in reorganizing France's government and laying the foundation for the absolute monarchy of Louis XIV. He centralized power in the hands of the King and took steps to diminish the power of the nobility and other advisory bodies.
Richelieu restructured the government by establishing intendants, who were royal governors, to oversee the provinces and report directly to the King. This reduced the influence of the nobility over local governance. He also expanded the power of the centralized French bureaucracy, particularly through the Council of State, which he presided over as the King's chief minister.
Furthermore, Cardinal Richelieu pursued a policy of centralization and absolutism in foreign policy. He strengthened the French military and sought to make France the dominant power in Europe. His efforts laid the groundwork for Louis XIV's reign as an absolute monarch.