Histoire de France 1618-1661 (Volume 14/19)

"Histoire de France 1618-1661 (Volume 14/19)" by Jules Michelet is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume explores the tumultuous period of the Thirty Years' War, detailing the political landscape and significant figures that influenced France during these thirty years. It aims to offer insights into the complex interplay of power, warfare, and the societal impacts of these events. The beginning of this volume delves into the gravity of the situation in France at the onset of the Thirty Years' War, portraying a society overwhelmed by war, desperation, and the plight of soldiers. The narrative introduces significant characters, including the military marketplace in Eastern Europe, and figures like the mercenary leader Waldstein, who capitalize on the chaos of war. Michelet eloquently describes the brutal realities of warfare, emphasizing the human cost and the transformation of men into commodities, as well as the moral consequences of such an existence. The focus is on the grim struggle for power and survival within the intricate web of alliances and animosities that characterized this dark chapter of French history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)