Question

what were the main innovations in royal government in seventeenth-century france before louis xiv reached his majority and began to rule on his own (1661)?

Answer 1

The 17th-century French royal government experienced key innovations in the form of increased centralization and establishment of absolute monarchy, led by regents Cardinal Richelieu and Cardinal Mazarin.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before Louis XIV reached his majority and began his independent reign in 1661, seventeenth-century France saw a series of innovative reforms in royal governance. The Cardinal Richelieu and Cardinal Mazarin, who served as chief ministers and regents during the king's youth, were key figures in this period. Richelieu, in particular, took significant initiatives to centralize and establish a more absolute monarchy. Some of the major changes included diminishing the power of nobles, instating Intendants (royal officials) responsible for justice, police, and finance in the provinces, and shaping a professional army directly under the crown's command. Mazarin continued most of Richelieu's policies ensuring the dominance of the monarchy, that Louis XIV later adopted and enforced rigorously.

Learn more about Absolute Monarchy

SPJ1