Final answer:
Richelieu's career demonstrated his role in centralizing royal power and establishing an absolute monarchy in France, which was further developed under Louis XIV.
Step-by-step explanation:
An assessment of Cardinal Richelieu's career would illustrate that he was instrumental in consolidating royal power and shaping France into an absolute monarchy.
As the chief minister to Louis XIII, Richelieu worked to strengthen the central authority of the monarchy at the expense of the nobility and Huguenots, limiting their power to challenge the king.
This strategy included stopping the convening of the Estates General, an advisory body that included representatives from different social classes, thereby excluding them from having a formal voice in governance.
By doing so, Richelieu laid the foundations for the reign of his successor, Louis XIV, the 'Sun King', who further epitomized absolute monarchal rule.