Military expenses have put a considerable strain…
December 1639 CE
Military expenses have put a considerable strain on the French king's revenues.
In response, Richelieu has raised the gabelle (salt tax) and the taille (land tax).
The taille is enforced to provide funds to raise armies and wage war.
The clergy, nobility, and high bourgeoisie are either exempt or can easily avoid payment, so the burden falls on the poorest segment of the nation.
To collect taxes more efficiently, and to keep corruption to a minimum, Richelieu bypasses local tax officials, replacing them with intendants (officials in the direct service of the Crown).
Richelieu's financial scheme, however, causes unrest among the peasants; there have been several uprisings from 1636 to 1639.
Richelieu has crushed the revolts violently, and dealt with the rebels harshly.