Society and Government in France under Richelieu and Mazarin, 1624–61

This book is about the practice, rather than the theory, of government. Any historical theory on the nature of absolutism must ultimately be tested by applying it to the reality of government. The most striking fact about the way government operated under Richelieu and Mazarin is that it was scarcely ever concerned with broad principles and issues, and almost exclusively concerned with pressing realities of a day-to-day kind. The growth of the modern state is to a significant degree the story of the growth of its fiscal power. This is not to argue that other developments, such as the rise of bureaucracy, the police and the army, were not also vitally important. However, these aspects of governmental power require finance. Without 'modern' taxation, that is to say, a regular and heavy fiscal burden, these other developments could not have occurred. The period of Richelieu and Mazarin saw a rapid increase in taxation to pay for France's long foreign war against Spain. This increased fiscal burden was one of the crucial factors in opposition to the regime. Yet there was never enough tax revenue to pay for the Xlll 8. Marillac to Richelieu, 21 February 1629 ... Here at Paris everyone is talking about war or peace according to their whim. We wait avidly for news of the resolution which the King will take. His loving subjects are apprehensive at the prospect of seeing the King leave his kingdom. In your regard we rest fully on whatever it pleases you to resolve with His Majesty ... Front Matter....Pages i-xiv The Chief Minister: Policies and Critics....Pages 1-25 The Ministerial Team....Pages 26-78 Administrative Innovation and the Reaction of the Office-Holders....Pages 79-150 Aristocratic Grievances and Rebellion....Pages 151-193 Popular Rebellion....Pages 194-238 Back Matter....Pages 239-247