Western History 107: Who was Cardinal Mazarin and what part did he play in French politics?

Cardinal Mazarin was an Italian political figure who played a very important role in shaping French fortunes after the death of Cardinal Richelieu in 1642. He served in the capacity of France’s first minister and continued Richelieu’s policy of expanding French influence across the continent.

Mazarin had served in the diplomatic service of the Holy see since 1628 and in 1630 when he first came to the attention of Cardinal Richelieu.

At one time the daring Mazarin galloped between two invading armies to try and bring about a peaceful resolution to a conflict (it failed but his heroics were appreciated).

In 1638 the French monarch Louis XIII recommended him as a royal candidate for the cardinalate. A year later he would become a French citizen. After Richeleu’s death Mazarin used his position as first minister to try and end the conflict between the Catholic powers that had dogged the continent for much of the 17^th century. He strongly influenced Anne of Austria, the mother of the future King Louis XIV, and was the key political player during Louis’s infancy and youth.

Cardinal Mazarin source: Artnet.com

Mazarin used French gains at the expense of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire to negotiate a strong position for his adopted country at the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. However war between France and Spain continued to rage. To strengthen France he negotiated the Treaty of the Rhine to force Spain into a settlement. He also allied himself with the English surrendering for the sake of an agreement the fort at Dunkirk.

On the home front Mazarin’s biggest challenge involved the Fronde revolt. The Parlement of France refused to approve the executive’s revenue proposals.  Plans were put in place as well to limit the power of the monarchy. What followed was a civil war. Mazarin and Queen Anne ordered the arrested of two of the leaders of the Parlementaires but they were soon released after an uprising in Paris.

An attempted blockade of Paris was initiated to force Parliament to back down on their anti-monarchy stance but this didn't play out as Mazarin intended. Eventually Mazarin was forced to make concessions and grant amnesty to the rebels through the Peace of Rueil (1649).

Again this did not resolve the situation. The conflict entered into a second phase known as the Fronde of the Princes. Mazarin was attacked by the pro-Parliament press and the situation worsened when Louis II de Bourbon, 4^e prince de Condé, a powerful military figure sided with the rebels. For a while the Great Condé,(as he was known) held the balance of power in France. He wanted Mazarin dismissed.

Anne of Austria source: Pinterest Collection by Louise Hang Boutique

Fortunately for Mazarin, Queen Anne was able to manipulate the differences in the rebel front, sewing discord between the Frondeurs that weakened their position. Condé would be ousted from Paris with King Louis XIII returning triumphantly to the city on Feb 3^rd, 1653. The monarchy had been saved.

The outcome though of the Fronde rebellion was to highlight the difference that the nobility had with Bourbon rule. This would play a role in Louis XIV’s decision to build Versailles as a political playpen that he could strategically monitor to quell future unrest.

In 1659, Spain and France signed the Treaty of the Pyrenees which served to quieten tension between Europe’s Catholic powers. Mazarin’s goal on the continental front  been met. Building on such success Mazarin turned his attention toward the Ottoman Turks with the hopes of launching a crusade on behalf of Christendom against the Eastern power. However he would pass away in 1661 before this could be realized.