Cardinal de Fleury and the Teaching of the History of France

The Concise History of France is one of the very few personal accounts concerning “Monsieur de Fréjus”, who was appointed tutor to the young Louis XV by Louis XIV, before being appointed cardinal. Traditionally, history plays a major role in the education of princes, especially among Bourbons. Political initiation indeed involves the study of one’s predecessors’ models, whether they were good or bad. This is also the opportunity to make opinions on the art of governing. The Concise History of France is thus a major account useful to appreciate the idea that Fleury had of “politics, a royal art” but also the principles he taught the young king. These principles were to leave an enduring mark on him since Fleury, who was main minister from 1726 to 1743, had the opportunity to implement them.