History of Philip VI of France

Philip VI of France, often titled "Philip of Valois," was an influential monarch who reigned from 1328 to 1350 as the first king of the Valois dynasty. His period of rule was marked by significant political challenges and transformations in France, coming at a time of great upheaval due to territorial disputes, succession crises, and burgeoning national identities.

Philip VI was born in 1293, the son of Charles of Valois, a younger brother of King Philip IV of France, and Marguerite of Anjou. As a member of the Valois branch of the Capetian dynasty, Philip's early life marked him as a potential player in the complex political landscape of medieval France. His accession to the throne came under unique circumstances when King Charles IV died in 1328 without a male heir. According to the Salic law, which was traditionally followed in France, the throne could not pass through the female line, leading to Philip's coronation by the unanimous decision of the French nobility who viewed him as the closest male relative.

Philip's ascension was contested by Edward III of England, whose mother, Isabella, was Charles IV's sister. Edward asserted his claim to the French crown through his mother, but his bid was rejected, setting the stage for a confrontation that would significantly shape European history – the Hundred Years' War.

Philip VI's reign, thus, was immediately marked by the outbreak of this long conflict with England, a war which would not only define his own reign but have longstanding repercussions for both kingdoms. In the early 1330s, Philip worked diligently to secure his position by reinforcing alliances with Scotland and Flanders against England. However, in 1337 Edward III formally claimed the French throne, initiating hostilities.

One of the preliminary significant battles was the Battle of Sluys in 1340, where the English fleet scored a decisive victory over the French navy, showcasing England's command of the seas. This defeat undermined French maritime capabilities and marked the beginning of English dominance in the war.

Domestically, Philip VI faced immense challenges. France's economy was severely stressed by both the war and internal discontent. The heavy taxation imposed to fund the military efforts stirred resentment among the populace and nobility alike. Additionally, Philip's reliance on debased currency to fund his reign led to rampant inflation, further exacerbating economic woes and leading to societal unrest.

Despite these challenges, Philip was an active politician in attempting to centralize and strengthen the monarchy. He is noted for his efforts to impose a more consistent system of justice across France, standardizing various local laws. He sought to reinforce royal authority over local feudal lords, an initiative that was resistantly met but established groundwork that his successors would continue to build upon.

Philip VI also sought to bolster his reign through strategic matrimonial alliances, marrying off his numerous children into prominent European houses. This network of alliances was aimed at both preventing isolation on the continent and creating potential alliances that could be called upon against England.

The internal difficulties of his reign were further intensified by a series of natural disasters, including severe famines and the first onslaught of the Black Death in 1348. The latter crisis had both immediate and long-term effects on the population, economy, and social structures, with the severe decline in population leading to labor shortages and further economic challenges.

Philip VI’s foreign policy extended beyond conflicts with England, as he aimed to secure French influence in Italy and the Holy Roman Empire. He supported his son-in-law, Charles IV, against the Luxemburg rule in Bohemia, although these engagements only added to the kingdom's burdens without yielding significant results.

Ultimately, Philip VI’s reign was one of transition and turmoil, a period defined by the substantial pressures facing medieval monarchies: war, economic crises, and societal change. He died in 1350, leaving a kingdom embroiled in a struggle that continued for decades – the Hundred Years' War. His legacy was one of ambition curtailed by circumstance, a reign where any political gains achieved were largely overshadowed by the enduring conflict and internal strife. Nonetheless, as the first of the Valois line, Philip laid foundations that his descendants would continue to build upon, shaping the future trajectory of France amidst one of its most trying eras.