It does not concern us to decide which was the more to blame.
France, admirably situated for the possession of sea power, received a definite policy for the guidance of her government from two great rulers, Henry IV.

and Richelieu.

With certain well-defined projects of extension eastward upon the land were combined a steady resistance to the House of Austria, which then ruled in both Austria and Spain, and an equal purpose of resistance to England upon the sea.

To further this latter end, as well as for other reasons, Holland was to be courted as an ally.

Commerce and fisheries as the basis of sea power were to be encouraged, and a military navy was to be built up.
Richelieu left what he called his political will, in which he pointed out the opportunities of France for achieving sea power, based upon her position and resources; and French writers consider him the virtual founder of the navy, not merely because he equipped ships, but from the breadth of his views and his measures to insure sound institutions and steady growth.