John II of France (d. 1364)

John II, famously known as "John the Good" (French: Jean le Bon), reigned as King of France from 1350 until his death in 1364. Born on April 26, 1319, his rule coincided with one of the most tumultuous periods in French history, a time when the kingdom was grappling with an array of profound challenges. The epithet "the Good" is often debated by historians, as it likely referred to his chivalrous nature and adherence to oaths rather than a reflection of his reign's success, which was plagued by relentless adversity.

A Kingdom in Crisis: The Challenges of John II's Reign

Upon his ascension to the throne, France was already reeling from a series of catastrophic events. The devastating impact of the Black Death, which swept across Europe, had claimed the lives of nearly 40% of France's population, leading to widespread social and economic disruption. This demographic collapse weakened the kingdom's structure and its ability to resist further pressures.

Adding to the chaos were internal upheavals, including popular revolts known as the Jacqueries. These violent peasant uprisings, fueled by deep-seated grievances against the nobility and the perceived failures of their rulers, highlighted the profound social unrest simmering beneath the surface. Furthermore, the countryside was ravaged by Free Companies (Grandes Compagnies) – bands of unemployed soldiers, often mercenaries, who, in the absence of sustained warfare, turned to plundering and extortion, effectively operating as rogue armies across the land.

Externally, France faced relentless aggression from England, a continuation of what would become known as the Hundred Years' War. This conflict led to a series of catastrophic military losses for the French, none more impactful than the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. In this crushing defeat, King John II himself was captured by the English, a humiliating and unprecedented event for a reigning French monarch.

The Regency of Charles and the Treaty of Brétigny

With the King held captive in London, the burden of governance fell upon his eldest son, Charles, who took on the challenging role of regent. Though initially facing his own set of rebellions and challenges, including resistance from Parisian merchants led by Étienne Marcel and renewed peasant revolts, Charles proved to be a capable and resilient leader. He gradually consolidated his authority and overcame these internal threats, laying the groundwork for his later success as Charles V, "the Wise."

To secure his father's release, Charles was compelled to negotiate the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360. This treaty, though it brought a temporary end to hostilities, came at an enormous cost to France. It stipulated the ceding of vast territories in western France to England, including Aquitaine, Ponthieu, and Calais, in full sovereignty. More critically, it demanded an exorbitant ransom for the King's freedom, an astronomical sum that further strained France's already depleted treasury.

As part of the complex exchange to facilitate the ransom collection, John II was temporarily released from captivity. To guarantee his eventual return or the payment of the full ransom, several high-ranking hostages were sent to England, including his second son, Louis, Duke of Anjou.

Return, Reforms, and a King's Honor

Upon his return to France, John II immediately focused on stabilizing the kingdom. A significant act of his brief freedom was the creation of the franc (specifically, the franc à cheval), a new, stable gold coin designed to restore confidence in the French currency, which had suffered significant debasement. He also sought to address the persistent menace of the Free Companies, proposing a grand crusade to redirect these destructive mercenary bands away from French soil and towards fighting the Ottoman Turks. However, this ambitious plan tragically failed when Pope Innocent VI, who was central to the crusade's organization, died shortly before a scheduled meeting in Avignon.

The defining moment of John II's final years came when he received news that his son Louis, Duke of Anjou, who had been held as a hostage in Calais (then under English control), had escaped his captivity. Driven by a deep sense of honor and an unwavering commitment to his word and the chivalric code of the era, King John II made the extraordinary decision to voluntarily return to England to surrender himself once more. He believed that his personal honor and the prestige of the French crown demanded that he fulfill the terms of the treaty, even if his son had failed to do so.

He arrived back in London in early 1364, where he was received with respect by the English. Sadly, his health quickly deteriorated, and he died in captivity on April 8, 1364. He was succeeded by his son, Charles V, who would go on to skillfully navigate France through its ongoing trials and lay the foundations for its recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About John II

Why was John II called "John the Good"?
The moniker "John the Good" (Jean le Bon) is often considered ironic given the many disasters of his reign. Historians generally believe it was bestowed due to his adherence to the codes of chivalry and honor, particularly his commitment to keeping his word and fulfilling oaths, rather than a reflection of successful governance or military prowess.
What was the significance of the Battle of Poitiers (1356)?
The Battle of Poitiers was a devastating defeat for France during the Hundred Years' War. It was significant because it resulted in the capture of a reigning French king, John II, by the English. This event was a profound humiliation for France and had severe political and financial consequences, leading directly to the Treaty of Brétigny.
What was the Treaty of Brétigny (1360)?
The Treaty of Brétigny was an agreement between England and France designed to end hostilities in the Hundred Years' War and secure the release of the captive King John II. While it achieved a temporary peace, its terms were extremely harsh for France, involving the cession of large territories to England in full sovereignty and the payment of an enormous ransom for the King.
Why did King John II voluntarily return to England?
King John II returned to England voluntarily in 1364 after learning that his son, Louis, Duke of Anjou, who was being held as a hostage to guarantee the ransom payments, had escaped. John II felt honor-bound to uphold his oath and the terms of the Treaty of Brétigny, believing that the prestige and honor of the French monarchy depended on him personally fulfilling the commitment, even if it meant returning to captivity.
What was the "franc" created by John II?
The "franc" (specifically the franc à cheval) was a new gold coin introduced by John II upon his return to France after his captivity. Its primary purpose was to stabilize the French currency, which had been significantly debased during the period of crisis and ransom payments. It was intended to restore economic confidence and became a symbol of French fiscal stability.
What were the "Jacqueries" during John II's reign?
The Jacqueries were a series of violent peasant revolts that erupted in France in 1358, during the regency of Charles. These uprisings were fueled by widespread discontent among the common people due to heavy taxation, the devastation caused by war and Free Companies, and a general resentment towards the nobility and ruling class, whom they blamed for the kingdom's woes.