Francis the 1st was a legendary king of France who ruled between 1515 and 1547. He is remembered as one of the greatest kings in French history, having led his country to great heights during his reign.
The son of King Louis XII, Francis was born into nobility and quickly rose to prominence. His early years were marked by a desire to reform the French government and modernize its laws. During his time as king, he created a new tax system that encouraged economic growth and stability, codified the law of the realm for easier navigation, developed an effective infrastructure for communication through roads and canals, and established alliances with other European powers.
His later years saw Francis engaging in conflict with Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and Spain’s ruler at the time. Francis adopted a policy of “Gallicanism”, which recognized France’s own authority independent from Rome’s papal control. The war between Francis’ forces and Charles’ ended with both sides signing the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis in 1559.
The legacy left behind by Francis is still discussed today; many documentaries about him have been released throughout the years to highlight his immense contributions to France’s history. For those looking for an insightful look into this iconic leader’s life, there is no shortage of documentaries detailing every bit from his youth until his death. Watching such documentaries can be an excellent way to learn more about this remarkable figure in world history.
