For a relative long time Richelieu has been one of the most exceptional great men, not juste in the history of France but also in the history of Europe. At home, Richelieu laid the foundations of the French absolute monarchy by taming the great nobility, subdoing the military might of the Huguenots, and centralizing the state bureaucracy [...]. Abroad, Richelieu prepared the ground for the glorious diplomatic and military achievements of Louis XIV (Joseph Bergin and Laurence Brockliss). But modern historical research has changed this traditional picture. Most historians do no longer accept the notion that the cardinal was an almost innovative and effective politician who pointed alone the ship of state in the direction of absolutism. But nevertheless it remains a fact that he was more than a highly successful political 'boss'. However little he may have changed the character of the French state, there remains the fact that he and his circles associated with him [...] were the authors of numereous, wide-ranging projets and avis which aimed to establish social stability, enhance royal authority [...]. (Bergin, Brockless). It is the purpose of this biography to point out the positive and negative aspects of the political achievements of this French statesman and to deepen our understanding of his political work for France and for Europe.