Kingdom of France Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Kingdom of France

Royaume de France (French)

987–1792
1814–1815
1815–1848

Flag
(Top: Flag of France before Huguenot Wars at 16th century,
Bottom: Flag after Huguenot Wars)

Coat of Arms
(1589–1790)

Motto: Montjoie Saint Denis!

Anthem: Marche Henri IV
(1590–1792,1814–1830)
"March of Henry IV"
La Parisienne
(1830–1848)
"The Parisian"

The Kingdom of France in 1789.

Capital

Paris (987–1682;1789–1792; 1814–1848)
Versailles (1682–1789)

Common languages

Latin, French (official)
Breton, Franco-Provençal, Occitan, Norman, Picard, Champenois, Angevin, Gallo, Burgundian, Poitevin, Basque, Alsatian

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Government

Feudal monarchy (987–1648)
Absolute monarchy (1648–1791)
Constitutional monarchy (1791–1792; 1814–1848)

• 987–996

• 1180–1223

• 1364–1380

• 1815

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand

• 1847–1848

François Guizot

Legislature

Estates General
(1302–1791)
Legislative Assembly
(1791–1792)
Parliament
(1814–1848)

• Upper house

Chamber of Peers

• Lower house

Chamber of Deputies

Historical era

Medieval / Early Modern

• Begin of Capetian dynasty

3 July 987

• Hundred Years' War

1337–1453

• French Wars of Religion

1562–1598

• French Revolution

5 May 1789

• Bourbon Restoration

6 April 1814

• Bourbon Monarchy deposed

2 August 1830

• July Monarchy deposed

24 February 1848

Currency

Livre, Franc, Écu, Louis d'or

ISO 3166 code

Preceded by

Succeeded by

	West Francia
	First French Empire

French First Republic
French Second Republic

The Kingdom of France (royaume de France) was the name for different governments in France during the Middle Ages and modern times. Historians often point to three main starting points for this kingdom. These are the rule of Clovis in 481, the Treaty of Verdun, or the election of Hugh Capet in 987.

The kingdom lasted until 1792. It was then brought back for short periods between 1814 and 1848.

The Early Kingdom of France
- How the Kingdom Grew
Royal Power and Administration
- Changes During Wars
Challenges to Royal Power
- The Age of Enlightenment
- End of the Monarchy
Images for kids
See also

The Early Kingdom of France

The King of the Franks, Clovis, made an important agreement with the Catholic Church when he was baptized. This agreement continued throughout the Kingdom of France. Kings were crowned in Reims, which meant they were believed to rule by divine right.

The first kings from the Capetian family wanted to crown their oldest sons while they were still alive. This was because their power was mostly limited to the area around Paris (called the Ile de France). It wasn't until Philip Augustus that kings started using "Kingdom of France" in their official papers. They also began to truly rule over the whole kingdom.

How the Kingdom Grew

The kingdom's land was made up of many smaller areas called fiefs. The King of West Francia was the main ruler, or suzerain, over these fiefs. This system began after the Carolingian Empire was divided in 843.

Over time, these fiefs slowly became part of the king's direct control. This meant the king needed to set up a royal government to manage everything.

Royal Power and Administration

Saint Louis thought it was very important for the king to be a fair judge. He created the parliament, which was the highest court of justice. This helped to make sure laws were followed across the kingdom.

Changes During Wars

The long Hundred Years' War (1337–1453) led to big changes. Under King Charles VII, France created a permanent army and regular taxes. This made the kingdom much stronger.

Later, Cardinal Richelieu, who was a minister for Louis XIII, and King Louis XIV made the king's power even greater. They brought local noble governors under their control. They also sent royal officials, called intendants, to manage the provinces.

Challenges to Royal Power

Sometimes, the king's power was challenged. This happened during times of trouble, like civil wars, or when kings were too young to rule.

The Age of Enlightenment

The ideas of the Age of Enlightenment also challenged the king's absolute power. These new ideas focused on:

Using reason to govern.
Separating government powers.
Protecting individual freedoms.

These ideas became very popular.

End of the Monarchy

The French Revolution led to France trying out a constitutional monarchy. This meant the king's power was limited by a constitution. However, these attempts to keep a king with limited power failed. This happened in 1792, 1830, and 1848. Each failure eventually led to the end of kings ruling France.

Images for kids

Territorial development under Philip August (Philip II), 1180–1223
The Reims Cathedral, built on the site where Clovis I was baptised by Remigius, functioned as the site for the coronation of the Kings of France.