France 1769L LOIUIS XV MASSIVE SIZED ISSUE ECU - DAV 1330 NGC XF Details. Wonderful super sized crown of The Sun King. A wonderful representation of the issue and a great collectable item. Lots of history here! Louis XV, known as Louis the Beloved (Louis le Bien-Aimé),
was the King of France from 1715 to 1774. He succeeded his great-grandfather,
Louis XIV, and his reign saw significant political, social, and cultural
developments. Here are key points about Louis XV:
- Early
Life and Ascension: Louis XV was born on February 15, 1710, and became
king at the age of five upon the death of his great-grandfather, Louis
XIV. Due to his young age, a regency was established, with Philippe II,
Duke of Orléans, serving as regent.
- Regency
Period: The regency that followed Louis XIV's death and the beginning
of Louis XV's reign was marked by financial troubles, the continuation of
wars, and political maneuvering.
- Personal
Rule: Louis XV took full control of the government in 1723, when he
reached the age of majority. His reign was characterized by attempts to
address the financial issues inherited from the previous reign.
- Wars
and Diplomacy: Louis XV was involved in several wars during his reign,
including the War of the Polish Succession and the War of the Austrian
Succession. His foreign policy was often guided by his chief minister,
Cardinal Fleury.
- The
Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle: The War of the Austrian Succession ended in
1748 with the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. The treaty
restored territorial boundaries but left some issues unresolved,
contributing to future conflicts.
- Madame
de Pompadour: Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour, became
the king's official mistress and a significant political influencer. Her
relationship with Louis XV lasted from 1745 until her death in 1764.
- Seven
Years' War: Louis XV's reign included the global conflict known as the
Seven Years' War (1756-1763), in which France faced Britain and its
allies. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763, resulting in
significant territorial losses for France.
- Economic
and Social Issues: Louis XV faced economic challenges and social
unrest during his reign. Issues such as taxation, financial mismanagement,
and inequalities in society contributed to discontent among the
population.
- Death
and Succession: Louis XV died on May 10, 1774. He was succeeded by his
grandson, who became Louis XVI. Louis XV's death marked the end of the
Bourbon line of direct male succession.
Louis XV's reign is often characterized by a mix of
successes and challenges. While his early years were marked by popularity, the
later part of his rule faced criticism and dissatisfaction. The economic
difficulties and military setbacks during his reign contributed to the tensions
that would eventually lead to the French Revolution.