Louis XI was born on July 3 1423, in the palate episcopal of Bourges, it is the son of Charles VII and Marie of Anjou.
One a long time kept the image of a prince cruel and neurotic, excessively pious person and superstitious, shown to have poisoned his father and to have locked up his enemies in iron cages, famous "the young girls".
It marries Marguerite of Scotland into 1436 then Charlotte of Savoy into 1451.
Louis XI 38 years old with died of his father and as Dauphin it created many difficulties to him. It is crowned in Rheims on August 15 1461 in the presence of its Philippe guard the Good Duke of Burgundy. Die on September 24 of this same year, Louis XI is in Touraine from where it starts to control France.
Become king, Louis XI returns the advisers of his father and surrounds himself by his faithful. He taxes the noble ones more, increases the taxes, thanks the collectors for the Pope and control the ecclesiastical incomes.
Louis XI, not being physically particularly favoured, moreover is more poorly equipped and very miserly, the opposite of Charles VII has who lived sumptuously. It is a man who likes to move in the kingdom, not very inclined with a life of Court.
Skilful and effective it contributed to make France a strong country, it achieved its goals while as much as possible avoiding making the war. On another side it is twisted and often cruel.
Louis XI manages to control the large feudal Lords by opposing them the ones to the others and in their making promises which it does not hold. After difficult moments (Péronne), it comes to end from its large enemy, Charles the Bold Duke of Burgundy. With the death of this one it seizes Burgundy and Picardy. By heritage of the Dukes of Anjou it collects Anjou, Maine and Provence and it buy Roussillon with the Spaniards.
Installed in Tours from where it controls the country, it develops the economy, agriculture, industries and the trade. Louis XI puts fine at the Middle Ages, attaches to the crown of France Burgundy and Picardy, Anjou, Maine and the kingdom of Provence, the country is prosperous. It holds its kingdom of firm hand. However, feeling the end to approach, Louis XI withdraws itself in his castle of Plessis-les-Tours. It dies on August 30 1483 of a stroke.