Charles VI (France)

Charles VI (Charles the Mad or Charles the Well Beloved), 1368-1422, king of France (1380-1422), son and successor of King Charles V. During his minority he was under the tutelage of his uncles (particularly Philip the Bold , duke of Burgundy), whose policies drained the royal treasury and provoked popular uprisings in France and in Flanders. Charles freed himself of this influence in 1388, took as his counselor his brother Louis, duc d' Orléans , and recalled his father's ministers, the Marmousets . After 1392, Charles suffered from recurrent insanity and was not active in the government. Philip of Burgundy returned to power. His rule was challenged by Louis d'Orléans and the conflict eventually resulted in war between Philip's successor, John the Fearless , and supporters of the Orleanists, known as Armagnacs (see Armagnacs and Burgundians ). The struggle was complicated by the invasion of France by King Henry V of England. In 1420, under the influence of the Burgundians, who were allied with Henry V and his wife Isabel of Bavaria , Charles accepted the Treaty of Troyes , recognizing Henry V as his successor.

Charles VI ( the Mad) (1368–1422) King of France (1380–1422). Until 1388 he was controlled by his uncle, Philip the Bold of Burgundy, whose policies drained the treasury and provoked uprisings. After ruling effectively for four years, Charles suffered recurrent bouts of insanity. Philip and Louis d'Orléans, the king's brother, fought for control of the kingdom. Louis was murdered in 1407, and Philip allied himself with Henry V of England. English victories at Agincourt (1415) and elsewhere forced Charles to sign the Treaty of Troyes (1420), acknowledging Henry as his successor.