The Grand Design and Foreign Policy

Henry IV's foreign policy combined pragmatic alliance-building with visionary schemes for European reorganization. The "Grand Design," whether Henry's authentic vision or Sully's later embellishment, envisioned a European confederation that would ensure peace while containing Habsburg power. Though never implemented, it showed royal thinking transcending traditional dynastic competition toward systemic solutions.

Practical diplomacy achieved significant successes. The Treaty of Vervins (1598) with Spain secured peace and recognition. Alliances with Protestant powers—England, Dutch Republic, German princes—balanced Habsburg strength without alienating Catholic subjects. The dispute over Cleves-Jülich succession (1609-1610) showed Henry preparing for renewed conflict with Spain, demonstrating that religious pacification enabled rather than precluded assertive foreign policy.

Military reforms prepared for future conflicts while addressing domestic security. The creation of regular artillery companies provided professional expertise. Fortification of frontier towns by engineers like Errard created defensive barriers. The suppression of noble feuding and highway brigandage made travel safe. These measures showed royal government fulfilling its basic protective functions after decades of failure.