How did Jules Mazarin continue Cardinal Richelieu's policies in France?

Jules, Cardinal Mazarin, served as the successor to Cardinal Richelieu, effectively completing the political objectives Richelieu had initiated to secure French dominance. Mazarin continued Richelieu’s core policies in two primary areas:1

• Foreign Policy: Mazarin pursued the goal of ending Habsburg hegemony in Europe. He successfully negotiated the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which established peace in Germany and weakened imperial power. He also continued the conflict with Spain to ensure French supremacy, eventually securing a favorable settlement with the 1659 Treaty of the Pyrenees.213
• Domestic Policy: Mazarin worked to solidify royal absolutism by suppressing internal opposition to the monarchy. Despite the significant challenges posed by the Fronde—a series of rebellions by the nobility and judicial oligarchy—Mazarin maintained the crown's authority. He further centralized power by reestablishing the role of intendants to administer provinces, effectively replacing the influence of unreliable local governors.13

By training a new generation of administrators and guiding the young Louis XIV, Mazarin ensured the long-term stability of the centralized state Richelieu had envisioned.31