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How did Cardinal Mazarin influence Louis XIV?
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Louis XIV
Portrait of King Louis XIV, by Charles Le Brun, c. 1655.
Cardinal Mazarin played a pivotal role in shaping the reign of Louis XIV by serving as his mentor and chief minister during the king's formative years. After successfully suppressing the civil disturbances known as the Fronde, Mazarin actively involved the young monarch in the mechanics of government, effectively using him as a pupil to prepare him for absolute rule.12
Mazarinâs influence on the king included:
- Administrative Training: He helped Louis train a highly capable staff of administrators, including Jean-Baptiste Colbert and Michel Le Tellier, and reestablished the role of intendants to centralize royal authority in the provinces.1
- Cultural Development: Mazarin fostered the young kingâs appreciation for the arts, elegance, and display.2
- Political Discipline: He taught Louis to stand firm against opposition, such as the Parlement of Paris.1
- Statecraft: Mazarin guided Louis through the complexities of foreign policy, including the Peace of the Pyrenees, and famously prioritized political duty over the king's personal desire to marry Marie Mancini.123