Revival and consolidation of France

During 1350 and 1450 large areas of France were under English occupation. The French monarchy was weak The Hundred Years War left France with a declining population and desolate countryside. However, during the last phase of the war, the Estates General granted the King Louis XI (Spider King) the right to an annual direct tax known as the tallie. This tallie tax allowed King Louis XI to be the first Renaissance king to be able to afford cast-bronze cannons. Although Louis had an unattractive personality, he was also clever, calculating, and an extremely effective ruler. He laid a foundation that his successors could build upon. Louis XI gradually gained some of the political and economic control from the nobles and gave it to the eager hands of the Bourgeoisie. However, trying...