Charles V le Sage King of France from the Valois dynasty, who reigned from 1364 to 1380. Date of Birth: 21.01.1338 Country: France

1. Charles V of France
2. Early Life and Challenges
3. The Estates General and Marcel's Insurrection
4. The Jacquerie
5. Regaining Control
6. Foreign Policy
7. The Hundred Years' War Resumes
8. Legacy

Charles V of France

Charles V, known as the Wise, was the King of France at a time of great turmoil. He ascended to the throne in 1364 after the capture of his father, King John II, by the English in the Battle of Poitiers.

Early Life and Challenges

Charles was a stark contrast to his father. Frail and pale, he had a serious and thoughtful demeanor. His reign was marked by numerous challenges, including a devastated army, an empty treasury, and a country ravaged by the Hundred Years' War.

The Estates General and Marcel's Insurrection

In an attempt to address the crisis, Charles convened the Estates General in 1356. However, the assembly, led by Etienne Marcel, a Parisian clothier, demanded political concessions in exchange for financial support. Charles dissolved the Estates, only to be forced to reconvene it the following year due to his dire situation.

In 1358, a violent uprising erupted in Paris led by Marcel. Charles's advisors were murdered before his eyes, and he was forced to wear a red and blue cap as a symbol of solidarity with the insurgents. However, this demonstration of force alienated the provinces and nobility.

The Jacquerie

Meanwhile, a peasant revolt, known as the Jacquerie, spread through northern France. Charles and his family were besieged in a fortress until they were rescued by the Count of Foix and Captain du Guesclin. The peasant uprising was brutally suppressed, with an estimated 20,000 rebels killed.

Regaining Control

With the Jacquerie quashed, Charles rallied his forces and retook Paris in 1358. He mercilessly executed the leaders of the insurrection and revoked the concessions granted by the Estates General, restoring his royal authority.

Foreign Policy

In 1360, the English besieged Paris, forcing Charles to negotiate the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360. The treaty was humiliating for France, with England gaining significant territory and a substantial ransom for John II. However, Charles secretly planned to evade its terms.

The Hundred Years' War Resumes

In 1368, hostilities with England resumed. Charles appointed Bertrand du Guesclin, a skilled military commander, as his Constable of France. Du Guesclin used guerrilla tactics to harass the English and gradually regained lost territories.

Legacy

Charles V died in 1380, leaving behind a France that had recovered much of the land lost during his youth. He was a prudent and pious king, focused on improving the kingdom's financial and military strength. Despite not being a warrior himself, he relied on the talents of du Guesclin to restore order and pave the way for France's eventual victory in the Hundred Years' War.