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Foundation
The Valois line was established when Philip VI, a member of the House of Valois, ascended to the French throne in 1328 following the death of Charles IV of France, who had no surviving male heirs. This succession was based on the principle of Salic Law, which excluded women from inheriting the throne.
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Key Monarchs
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Philip VI (1328-1350) - He was the first Valois king, known for initiating the Hundred Years' War with England.
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John II (1350-1364) - Also known as John the Good, his reign was marked by continued conflict with England and internal strife.
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Charles V (1364-1380) - Known for his strategic military campaigns and administrative reforms, he managed to regain territory lost during the war.
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Charles VI (1380-1422) - His long reign was dominated by his bouts of insanity, leading to political instability and the rise of factions like the Armagnacs and Burgundians.
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Charles VII (1422-1461) - With the help of Joan of Arc, he successfully turned the tide of the Hundred Years' War in favor of France.
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Louis XI (1461-1483) - Known for his cunning diplomacy and consolidation of royal power, he laid the groundwork for the later centralization of the French state.
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Major Events
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Hundred Years' War - A pivotal conflict between France and England that spanned from 1337 to 1453, shaping much of the Valois period.
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Treaty of Troyes (1420) - A treaty that temporarily disinherited the Valois line in favor of the English king Henry V, though this was later overturned.
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Wars of Religion - In the later years of the Valois reign, France was embroiled in religious conflict between Huguenots (French Protestants) and Catholics.
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End of the Dynasty
The Valois line ended with the death of Henry III in 1589, who had no legitimate children. The throne passed to Henry IV, the first king of the Bourbon Dynasty, marking the beginning of a new era in French history.
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Legacy
The Valois Dynasty contributed significantly to the centralization of power in France, the establishment of a more organized state apparatus, and the cultural flourishing of the Renaissance period in France. They were patrons of arts and learning, with figures like Charles V building the Louvre and promoting scholarship.