Births on February 15

Louis XV of France (d. 1774)

Louis XV: The Enigmatic King of France, "le Bien-Aimé"

Louis XV (born 15 February 1710, died 10 May 1774), known in his early reign as Louis le Bien-Aimé, or "Louis the Beloved," ascended to the throne of France on 1 September 1715. His exceptionally long reign, spanning nearly 59 years until his death in 1774, stands as the second longest in French history. Only his great-grandfather and predecessor, Louis XIV, the "Sun King," ruled for a longer period, commanding France for 72 years from 1643 to 1715.

The Early Years and Regency (1715-1723)

Louis XV's succession was unique and challenging. He became King at the tender age of five, after a series of deaths tragically decimated the royal line, leaving him as Louis XIV's sole surviving legitimate heir. Due to his minority, the kingdom was governed by a Regent. Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, Louis XV's great-uncle, skillfully steered France through this transitional period. The Regency lasted until Louis reached what was then defined as legal maturity, his thirteenth birthday, on 15 February 1723. Under Orléans' guidance, France experienced a shift from the strict absolutism of Louis XIV, with a brief period of greater political and intellectual openness, though not without its own financial controversies, such as the Mississippi Bubble.

The Era of Cardinal Fleury (1726-1743)

Following a brief period of the Duke of Bourbon's leadership, Cardinal André-Hercule de Fleury, Louis XV's former tutor and a highly respected statesman, assumed the role of chief minister in 1726. Fleury's tenure marked a significant era of peace and prosperity for France. His prudent policies focused on restoring the national finances, which had been severely strained by Louis XIV's numerous wars. He maintained a policy of peace in Europe, which fostered economic growth and allowed for the stabilization of the French currency. Under Fleury, France saw a resurgence in commerce and a reduction in the national debt. His death in 1743 left a considerable void, after which Louis XV chose to rule without a principal minister, aiming to emulate his great-grandfather's direct governance.

Who was Cardinal Fleury to Louis XV?

Cardinal Fleury served as Louis XV's trusted tutor during his formative years and later became his most influential chief minister. His guidance was crucial in stabilizing France after the tumultuous end of Louis XIV's reign and the subsequent Regency.

Louis XV's Personal Rule and Foreign Policy

The period following Fleury's death saw Louis XV take sole control, a decision that proved challenging. While initially demonstrating a keen interest in governance, his personal involvement fluctuated, often leading to indecisive policies and a reliance on court factions and powerful mistresses, most notably Madame de Pompadour, who held significant sway over political appointments and foreign policy.

Foreign Policy and Conflict

Louis XV's reign was punctuated by significant European conflicts that ultimately reshaped the global balance of power:

• War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748): France became embroiled in this continent-wide conflict. A key moment for French military prowess was the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745, where French forces achieved a significant victory over the Pragmatic Army (British, Hanoverian, Dutch, and Austrian troops). Despite this and other successes that allowed France to conquer the Austrian Netherlands (modern-day Belgium), Louis XV controversially returned these gains in the 1748 Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. This decision, driven by a desire for peace and potentially a lack of understanding of the strategic value of the territories, frustrated many and led to the popular saying that France "fought for the King of Prussia," meaning for little tangible gain.

• Seven Years' War (1756-1763): This global conflict, often considered the first true "world war," proved disastrous for France. Fought across Europe, North America, and India, it resulted in immense financial strain and significant territorial losses. The 1763 Treaty of Paris forced France to cede most of its vast colonial empire in North America, known as New France (including Canada and territories east of the Mississippi River), to Great Britain. Louisiana was secretly transferred to Spain in the Treaty of Fontainebleau (1762) to compensate for its losses to Britain, further diminishing French imperial ambitions.

Despite these losses, Louis XV did oversee two important territorial incorporations that strengthened the French kingdom:

• Duchy of Lorraine: In 1766, following the death of his father-in-law Stanislas Leszczynski (the former King of Poland), the Duchy of Lorraine was formally incorporated into France. This was a long-sought strategic acquisition, bringing a valuable and culturally French-influenced territory firmly into the kingdom.

• Corsican Republic: France acquired the Corsican Republic in 1768, purchasing it from the Republic of Genoa. After a period of military subjugation, notably at the Battle of Ponte Novu in 1769, Corsica became a French province. This acquisition is significant as it brought Napoleon Bonaparte, born shortly after the island's annexation, under French rule.

Domestic Challenges and Criticism

Louis XV's reign faced increasing criticism, particularly in its later years. Historians often point to several key factors that contributed to a decline in the monarchy's prestige and laid the groundwork for future unrest:

• Corruption and Court Intrigue: Reports of corruption within the royal court and government ministries became widespread. The alleged "Pacte de Famine," a conspiracy theory suggesting the king and his ministers deliberately profited from grain shortages, severely eroded public trust. The opulent and often perceived as decadent lifestyle at the Palace of Versailles stood in stark contrast to the hardships faced by many French citizens, further fueling resentment.

• Financial Strain: The cost of numerous wars, particularly the Seven Years' War, combined with inefficient tax collection and the inability to implement meaningful financial reforms due to opposition from the powerful parlements and aristocracy, left the French treasury severely depleted. The national debt escalated dramatically, a problem that would burden his successor.

• Lack of Political Will: While intelligent, Louis XV often lacked the decisive political will to enforce necessary reforms or to effectively counter the growing influence of various court factions. His private life, including his numerous mistresses, also became a target of public criticism, further undermining the moral authority of the monarchy.

Why is Louis XV's reign generally criticized by historians?

Louis XV's reign is often criticized for a combination of factors, including indecisive leadership, reports of pervasive court corruption, and costly wars that yielded little tangible gain while significantly draining the national treasury. These issues collectively weakened the monarchy and set the stage for later instability.

Legacy: Paving the Way for Revolution

When Louis XV died in 1774, he left his grandson and successor, Louis XVI, a kingdom on the brink. France was grappling with profound financial and political challenges, a growing enlightenment movement questioning the very foundations of absolute monarchy, and a populace increasingly disillusioned with the Crown. The unresolved issues, financial crises, and social discontent that festered during Louis XV's final decades ultimately contributed to the eruption of the French Revolution in 1789, a mere fifteen years after his death, irrevocably changing the course of French and European history.