Jules Mazarin (b. Giulio Mazzarini) was the principal figure in French politics during the regency and early reign of Louis XIV. A native Italian and naturalized Frenchman, Mazarin was made a Cardinal in 1641, and succeeded his mentor Cardinal Richelieu as chief minister and ultimately as de facto head of government until his death in 1661. The scope of his role is shown in the watershed marked by the Sun King’s choice not to name a new premier ministre upon Mazarin’s death, a moment seen as inaugurating Louis XIV’s “personal reign”. Though Mazarin’s ministry was scarred by upheaval and civil war, most historians view his administration as a qualified success; it must be …
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Citation: Coons, James. "Jules Mazarin". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 20 December 2019 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=3018, accessed 21 November 2024.]