Definition
Louis XIII reigned as King of France from 1610 to 1643. His reign was heavily influenced by his chief minister, Cardinal Richelieu, a powerful figure in French history. Think of Louis XIII as a band frontman with a super-strong manager. His reign saw France involved in the Thirty Years' War and efforts to centralize royal power. While he wasn't always the most assertive ruler, his reign laid the groundwork for future French power.