Charles VII of France
Charles VII was King of France from 1422 to 1461, during a period marked by significant internal and external strife, including the tail end of the Hundred Years' War. Here is a detailed look at his reign, background, and legacy:
Early Life
Reign
- Accession and Early Struggles: Charles VII became king in 1422 following the death of his father, but his authority was challenged by the Treaty of Troyes, which declared Henry V of England and his heirs as the legitimate successors to the French throne. This treaty was recognized by a significant faction of the French nobility.
- War Efforts: The early years of his reign were dominated by the ongoing Hundred Years' War. The turning point came with the intervention of Joan of Arc in 1429, whose military success at Orléans and her subsequent crowning of Charles at Reims boosted his legitimacy and morale among the French.
- Reform and Consolidation: After Joan's execution, Charles continued the fight against the English, eventually pushing them back to Normandy and Gascony. His reign saw the establishment of the Permanent Army of France, the first standing army in France, which was crucial in maintaining national defense.
- Administrative Reforms: Charles VII implemented significant administrative reforms, including the creation of the Chambre des Comptes to regulate finances, and the Parlement of Paris to oversee legal matters, centralizing power in the monarchy.
Legacy
- Charles VII's reign is often seen as the period when France began its recovery from the devastations of the Hundred Years' War. His diplomatic and military efforts significantly reduced English control over French territories.
- He laid the groundwork for the modern French state through his reforms, which were continued by his son, Louis XI.
- His reign also saw the beginnings of the Renaissance in France, with increased cultural exchanges and the spread of humanist ideas.
Personal Life
- Charles married Marie of Anjou in 1422, with whom he had several children, including Louis XI.
- He was known for his cautious and sometimes indecisive nature, which contrasted with his eventual decisive actions in reclaiming his kingdom.
Death
Sources
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