Reconstruction and Recovery

Henry IV's domestic policies focused on healing the kingdom's wounds through economic recovery and administrative efficiency. His famous wish that every peasant might have "a chicken in his pot on Sundays" expressed genuine concern for popular welfare that enhanced royal legitimacy. Working with his minister Sully, Henry pursued policies that restored prosperity while strengthening royal finances.

Agricultural recovery received priority attention. The reduction of the taille by one-quarter relieved peasant burdens while strict collection ensured steady revenues. Prohibitions on seizing agricultural implements for debt protected productive capacity. Marsh drainage and forest clearance expanded cultivable land. The construction and repair of roads, bridges, and canals facilitated commerce. These infrastructure investments, supervised by royal engineers, demonstrated effective governance while providing employment.

Commercial and industrial development showed similar royal attention. The establishment of royal manufactures for luxury goods—silk, tapestries, glass—reduced imports while providing employment. Colonial ventures in Canada (Quebec founded 1608) promised future benefits. The paulette (1604), regularizing office inheritance for annual payments, stabilized the bureaucracy while providing reliable revenue. Though critics condemned venality's expansion, it created an invested officeholder class supporting royal authority.

Urban reconstruction transformed cities devastated by warfare. Paris received particular attention, with the Place Royale (now Place des Vosges) exemplifying ordered urban planning. The Pont Neuf, completed despite enormous expense, demonstrated royal commitment to capital improvement. Provincial cities received similar if smaller-scale attention. Royal entries into restored cities provided opportunities for demonstrating monarchical vitality through pageantry that subjects eagerly embraced after decades of conflict.