Question

How did the methods of Henry IV and Richelieu for strengthening France compare?

Option 1: Both Henry IV and Richelieu pursued aggressive military campaigns to expand French territory.
Option 2: Henry IV focused on religious tolerance and domestic unity, while Richelieu prioritized centralizing power and strengthening the monarchy.
Option 3: Henry IV and Richelieu both relied heavily on alliances with foreign powers to achieve their goals.
Option 4: Both Henry IV and Richelieu implemented strict economic policies to bolster the French economy.

Answer 1

Henry IV focused on religious tolerance and domestic unity, while Richelieu prioritized centralizing power and strengthening the monarchy to strengthen France.

Step-by-step explanation:

Both Henry IV and Richelieu had different methods for strengthening France. Henry IV focused on religious tolerance and domestic unity, issuing the Edict of Nantes in 1598 which granted religious freedom to French Protestants, known as Huguenots. This brought stability to the country. On the other hand, Richelieu prioritized centralizing power and strengthening the monarchy. He concentrated power in the hands of the King, implemented strict economic policies to promote French manufacturing and trade, and established a strong royal bureaucracy to keep the nobility in check. While both methods aimed at strengthening France, Henry IV's approach was more focused on religious tolerance and domestic unity, while Richelieu's approach focused on centralizing power and strengthening the monarchy.