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Louis XI. Photo by Jacob de Littemont.

Top 10 Facts about the Reign of Louis XI 1461 – 1483

Louis XI became king in 1461 at a time when the entire kingdom was in ruins as a result of the French civil conflicts. The previous year before Louis XI became the king, the kingdom had experienced exhausting efforts to reverse the severe consequences of the English military intervention in the French civil conflict. During the period when Louis XI was taking the leadership of the kingdom, it experienced a long period of social-economic catastrophes and war.

In 1460 there was a group of princes that made allies with Burgundy which led to the war of Public Weal in 1465 which limited the power of the king. Louis XI also benefited from his policy in England in 1470 and launched an attack on Burgundy that was to culminate in 1477. By the time when Louis XI rule elapsed, the kingdom had experienced a devastating economic depression.

The various troubles were a result of the chaotic government. Some of the devastating problems included grievous oppression, rape of women and girls mutilation of men, ransom, and robbery.

Below are the top ten facts about the reign of Louis XI 1461 – 1483

1. His Kingdom Experienced Tremendous Social-Economic Catastrophes

A Coin of Louis XI. Photo courtesy of

During the reign of Louis XI, he experienced several social and economic catastrophes especially when he was taking over the throne as king. This was a result of the severe period of war that raised the economic crisis in the area. Although the kingdom was still in a very unpleasant state, Louis XI still went on to get involved in other wars that greatly devastated the economy. Other factors that contributed to the poor economy included grievous oppression and the rape of women and girls.

2. His Kingdom Seemed to be Deserted rather than Flourishing

Photo by Pwqn.

The kingdom under Louis XI seemed to be deserted rather than flourishing as the kingdom remained depopulated and in ruins. According to the writing of Jean du Port, the great fear of the people led them to escape from the fields into the churches for safety during the war. The people also fled into the strongholds and did not dare to emerge for fear. According to the writer, the battle of the three kings seemed to be more of a beast haunt than of men.

3. Louis XI Fled to Burgundy from his Poor Relationship with his Father

Louis’s father Charles VII . Photo by Jean Fouquet. Wikimedia commons

Louis XI fled to Burgundy as a result of the poor relationship he had with his father due to his father’s mistress Agnes Sorel. This led to Louis XI joining the Prague movement which later failed but his father forgave him. He however tried to prove himself to his father by winning several battles but all was in vain. He finally left for Burgundy until the day his father passed on and he returned to the French throne.

4. Louis XI was a First Class Politician

Although Louis XI had a very difficult time in the various battles, he is known to have saved France from collapsing. He is popularly known as a first-class politician according to how he handled issues and did not rush but consorted with his advisors. He also learned from the various battles that his father was involved in and during his reign, he managed to eliminate the threat from England. He also worked hard and obtained several lands that were adjacent to his country.

5. Louis XI was Crowned King by Archbishop John II

After his father died, Louis XI rushed into the land of France in fear that his brother would take up his throne since he had a bad relationship with his father. He immediately rushed to the city of Reims for his coronation in the catholic cathedral. Louis XI was surely crowned as king by the Archbishop of Reims called John II. For him to be crowned as the king, he however had to arrive in Reims before his brother.

6. He was greatly Occupied by the War of the Roses

Louis XI. Photo by Jacob de Littemont.

Louis XI was greatly involved in the war of the Roses which involved England for several years. England was a massive supporter of the rebellion of the Duke against the French government. Louis XI however played a very significant role in helping Edward IV to win the battle against England.

7. Louis XI was Interested in the Possession of Italian Land

Louis XI who was the king of France was greatly interested in the Italian affair which was then divided into several kingdoms. He also received a lot of support from Savoy who sent his son to help Louis XI in a war against the League of the good Lord which took place in 1465. The good relationship between them did not however last due to the succession of the Duchy of Burgundy.

8. Louis XI had a Successful Political Career

Louis XI is very popular for his successful political career which saw him extend his kingdom far and wide. He is known for his effort in reviving the political reality of the entire state. He also managed to restore the kingdom of France through the policy that the end justifies the means.

9. Louis XI was a First – Rate Diplomatic Negotiator

Louis XI. Photo by Jacob de Littemont.

The research that was carried out about Louis XI rule proved that he was an intelligent first-rate diplomatic negotiator. He was able to persuade Kind Edward IV and convinced him to conclude the Treaty of Picugeni and also to withdraw his troops from the French arena.

10. He Preferred the Language of Dialogue over War

Although Louis XI was involved in several battles especially when he wanted to prove his worth to his father, he also chose the dialogue. When King Edward IV wanted to invade France, Louis XI made a plea to the king for a dialogue instead of bloody battles. This also led to the signing of the treaty of Picquigny which was signed on 29^th August 1475.

Louis XI is a very popular France king who was involved in several battles in which he succeeded. He however had a poor relationship with his father and ended up fleeing his country but later returned to be crowned as king following the death of his father. He rushed to be crowned as the king in fear that his brother would take the crown considering his poor relationship with his father.