2 - Brokering clemency in 1594: the case of Amiens

Summary

The 1594 capitulation of Amiens is a good example of how Henry IV used political patronage to defeat the Catholic League. From 25 June to 9 August 1594 factional conflict turned Amiens into an armed camp. The Catholic League came to an end in a political confrontation between factions and families over the exercise of power in the city. Henry IV's clients played a major role in this struggle and succeeded in securing positions of power for themselves as a result. Their success was based on their ability to undermine the League's credibility and refocus political dialogue on the recognition of Henry IV as France's legitimate king. During the weeks leading to the capitulation, the king's clients reiterated his desire for peace and his willingness to treat his foes with leniency. In this way, they convinced influential Leaguers to switch sides. In return, compromised members of the elite were allowed to remain in Amiens and retain familial authority. Brokers arranged exchanges of resources, such as patronage and offices, in exchange for something for themselves. As a reward for brokering his clemency, Henry's clients were given positions of authority in the city.

Henry IV did not begin constructing urban clienteles in Catholic League cities in 1594. Rather at the beginning of his reign in 1589 he had channelled monies to Bourbon family clients to secure local support for his kingship. These clients helped to preserve royal authority in Amiens where the king's legitimacy was not officially recognized after 1589, and they helped restore the king to power in 1594.