What were the obstacles to royal authority faced by the kings of France in the fifteenth century?

Question

Think Renaissance.

Answer 1

For one thing there was the Hundred Years' War between England and France. It lasted from 1337 to 1453. It consisted of many small wars, actually invasions of France by the English on the pretext that her kings had a right to the French throne. England controled about half of France. France was a large unwieldly kingdom which was decentralized. During the Hundred Years' War the English won most of the battles. France was devastated by repeated burning of crops, raiding, and looting.  With the feudal system the King of France was the most powerful man in the kingdom. But the Dukes of Burgundy were always a threat to the authority of the King because of their large armies. In fact it was the Burgundians who captured Joan of Arc in 1430. The cost of warfare had risen dramatically during the war. To finance his army the King of France had to levy a new tax, called the "fouage" or the "taille" on the peasants. But the clergy and nobles were exempt. But as the 15th century progressed the English were expelled from France and the French king became more bureaucratic. In the following 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries the French king became "absolute" and ruled by "divine right". I hope that this has been a help to you.

Answer 2

Prior to the 15th century feudalism was the mainstay. One owed their loyalty to their local lord, who in turn swore their loyalty to another lord or to the crown. There was much infighting and posturing for power. Kings and Queens were in some ways beholden to the lords who swore fealty to them because without their support the kings had little more than local influence.  This started to change in the 15th century but was a major hurdle that had to be overcome by rulers throughout Europe.