In 1635, Catholic France, under the leadership of Cardinal Richelieu, officially entered the Thirty Years' War, aligning against the Habsburg powers of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire. This decision was driven by a desire to curb Habsburg dominance in Europe and to assert France's geopolitical interests. France's involvement marked a significant shift in the war, ultimately contributing to the balance of power in Europe and the decline of Habsburg influence.

The French entry into the Thirty Years' War in 1635 blended religious fervor with political ambition, prompting poets like Paul Valéry to reflect on the moral complexities of war. This period saw poetry becoming a medium for exploring the intersections of faith, power, and human suffering.