John II of France
Early Life and Background
John II of France, also known as John the Good (Jean le Bon), was born on April 16, 1319, in Le Mans, France. He was the son of King Philip VI of France and Joan the Lame (Jeanne de Bourgogne). As a member of the House of Valois, John was part of a dynasty that ascended to the throne of France following the extinction of the direct Capetian line. His upbringing was typical for a prince of his time, focusing on chivalric education, which included training in arms, governance, and the arts.
John's early years were marked by the political turbulence of the Hundred Years' War, a protracted conflict between the Kingdom of France and the Kingdom of England. This war was rooted in territorial disputes and claims to the French throne by the English monarchy. The conflict would significantly shape John's reign and the future of France.
Ascension to the Throne
John became King of France in 1350, following the death of his father, Philip VI. His coronation took place at Reims Cathedral, a traditional site for the anointing of French kings. Upon ascending the throne, John inherited a kingdom embroiled in the Hundred Years' War, with the English controlling large portions of French territory.
John's reign was characterized by his efforts to reclaim lost lands and restore the prestige of the French crown. However, his rule was also marked by internal strife, including the Jacquerie, a peasant revolt that erupted in 1358 due to widespread discontent with heavy taxation and the devastation caused by the war.
Military Campaigns and the Battle of Poitiers
John's military campaigns were largely aimed at countering English advances in France. One of the most significant battles during his reign was the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. This battle was part of the Edwardian phase of the Hundred Years' War and was a catastrophic defeat for the French.
The French army, led by John himself, faced the English forces commanded by Edward, the Black Prince. Despite having a numerical advantage, the French were decisively defeated, and John was captured. His capture was a major blow to French morale and had significant political ramifications.
Captivity and Ransom
Following his capture at the Battle of Poitiers, John was taken to England, where he was held as a prisoner. His captivity lasted for several years and was marked by negotiations for his release. The Treaty of Brétigny, signed in 1360, was a pivotal agreement that secured John's freedom in exchange for a substantial ransom and territorial concessions to England.
The ransom, set at three million écus, placed a heavy financial burden on France. To raise the funds, John imposed new taxes, which exacerbated the already strained relationship between the monarchy and the French populace. His captivity and the subsequent treaty significantly altered the political landscape of France and England.
Domestic Policies and Governance
John's domestic policies were focused on strengthening the monarchy and stabilizing the kingdom. He sought to centralize royal authority and reduce the power of the nobility, which often acted independently and resisted royal control. To achieve this, John implemented administrative reforms aimed at improving governance and increasing royal revenues.
One of his notable initiatives was the establishment of the Franc à cheval, a gold coin intended to standardize currency and facilitate trade. This monetary reform was part of a broader effort to stabilize the French economy, which had been severely disrupted by war and internal conflict.
Legacy and Death
John II's reign was a period of significant challenges and transformations for France. Despite his efforts to restore the kingdom's fortunes, his reign is often viewed as a time of crisis due to the ongoing war, economic difficulties, and social unrest. His capture and the subsequent financial strain placed on the country had long-lasting effects on the French monarchy.
John died on April 8, 1364, in London, while still negotiating the terms of his ransom. He was succeeded by his son, Charles V, who would go on to implement reforms that strengthened the French state and laid the groundwork for future successes in the Hundred Years' War.