# Richelieu dies (1642)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1642-richelieu-dies
Location: Paris

The cardinal’s death ended nearly two decades of dominant ministerial leadership. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis XIII (King of France). Richelieu dies is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Richelieu dies is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

Ruler at the time: [Louis XIII](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-xiii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Richelieu dies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Richelieu+dies&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Richelieu dies](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Richelieu+dies)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)