Michel Le Tellier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michel Le Tellier
|
|
|---|---|
| Marquis de Barbezieux Seigneur de Chaville et de Viroflay |
|
 |
|
| Born | 19 April 1603 Paris, Kingdom of France |
| Died | 10 October 1685 (aged 82) Paris, Kingdom of France |
| Buried | Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais |
| Noble family | Le Tellier |
| Spouse(s) | Élisabeth Turpin |
| Issue | François Michel Le Tellier Charles Maurice Le Tellier Madeleine Fare Le Tellier |
| Father | Michel III Le Tellier |
| Mother | Claude Chauvelin |
Michel Le Tellier (born April 19, 1603 – died October 30, 1685) was an important French statesman. He held powerful positions in the government of King Louis XIV of France. He helped shape France's army and laws during his time.
Contents
Michel Le Tellier: A Key French Statesman
Early Life and Rising Through the Ranks
Michel Le Tellier was born in Paris, France. His father, Michel III Le Tellier, was a judge in Paris. Michel started working for the government early in his life.
In 1631, he became a maître des requêtes. This was a high-level lawyer who advised the king. By 1640, he was put in charge of justice for the French army in Piedmont, Italy.
Becoming Secretary of State for War
Michel Le Tellier became friends with Cardinal Mazarin, a very powerful minister. Thanks to this friendship, he was made Secretary of State for Military Affairs in 1643. This job is now called the Secretary of State for War.
He was known for being a very good organizer. During a time of trouble called the Fronde (a series of civil wars), he stayed loyal to Cardinal Mazarin and the king.
Transforming France's Army
In 1677, Le Tellier was given an even bigger job: Chancellor of France. This was one of the highest positions in the government. As Chancellor, he made big changes to the French army.
He helped turn the royal army into a much larger and more professional fighting force. This stronger army helped King Louis XIV gain more power. It also helped France become very strong in Europe.
Important Decisions as Chancellor
As Chancellor, Le Tellier also brought back the teaching of Civil Law at the University of Paris. This had been stopped many years before.
Le Tellier did not like Protestantism. He was one of the people who convinced King Louis XIV to cancel the Edict of Nantes. This law had given religious freedom to Protestants in France, known as Huguenots. After the Edict was canceled, Huguenots faced harsh treatment. Le Tellier died shortly after this decision was made.
His Family's Legacy
Michel Le Tellier became very wealthy during his life. He had two sons who also became famous. His son, François Michel Le Tellier, followed in his footsteps. He also became Secretary of State for War and was a very powerful official.
His other son, Charles Maurice Le Tellier, became the Archbishop of Reims. This made him a very important leader in the Catholic Church in France. Michel Le Tellier's letters and writings are kept in the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris.
Children of Michel Le Tellier
- François Michel Le Tellier (1641–1691): He became the Marquis de Louvois. He married Anne de Souvré and had children. His son became Secretary of State for War after him. His descendants include important figures like the Duke of Richelieu and Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
- Charles Maurice Le Tellier (1642–1710): He became the Archbishop of Reims. He was a very influential leader in France's Catholic Church. He was also known for his large collection of books.
- Madeleine Fare Le Tellier (1645–1668): She married Louis Marie Victor d'Aumont de Rochebaron, the Duke of Aumont. She had children, and her descendants include Louise d'Aumont, a princess of Monaco. The current Prince of Monaco is a descendant of Madeleine Fare.
See also
In Spanish: Michel Le Tellier para niños
- Ancien Régime
- François-Michel le Tellier, Marquis de Louvois (le Tellier son)
- Charles Maurice Le Tellier (le Tellier son)
- French Wars of Religion
- Religious persecution
- Religious violence
- Religious war
