King Louis XV of France Autograph

Profession:
(1710-1774) Monarch of the House of Bourbon who ruled as King of France and Navarre from 1 September 1715 until his death. He succeeded his great-grandfather Louis XIV at the age of five.

Year of Birth: 1710

Louis XV, born Louis-Auguste de France, was the King of France from 1715 until his death in 1774. He was the third son of King Louis XIV and his queen consort, Maria Theresa of Spain. His reign was marked by a number of wars, most notably the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) which brought France to the brink of bankruptcy. He also oversaw the expansion of French colonial territories in the Americas and Africa. Despite his successes, Louis XV’s legacy has been tarnished by his debauchery and extravagance.

Louis XV was born in 1710 to the King and Queen of France. His father, Louis XIV, had been on the throne since 1643 and had established France as the pre-eminent power in Europe. Louis XV was to be his successor, and as such, he was groomed for the role of king from a young age. He was taught by some of the most renowned philosophers and theologians of the time, and he was taught combat and diplomacy. By the age of 15, he had already been made a Knight of the Order of the Holy Spirit, a prestigious honor given to only the most deserving and loyal of French noblemen.

In 1715, upon the death of Louis XIV, Louis XV ascended to the throne at the age of five. He was officially crowned king in 1722, at the age of 13. His early reign was dominated by the influence of his late father’s ministers, such as the Duke of Bourbon. During this period, Louis XV was able to consolidate France’s position as the dominant European power, aided by the conclusion of the War of the Polish Succession (1733-1738).

The Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) marked a major turning point in Louis XV’s reign. Although France emerged victorious, the costs of the war bankrupted the country and caused a major financial crisis. The war also led to a decline in the power of the French court, as the monarchy was no longer able to support its lavish lifestyle. As a result, the power of the French nobility was greatly diminished.

Despite having his power curtailed, Louis XV was still able to continue his father’s policy of expanding the French empire. During his reign, France acquired a number of territories in North America and Africa. He also oversaw the construction of the Palace of Versailles, which stands as a testament to his grandiose vision.

Louis XV died in 1774, after a reign of 59 years. By the end of his reign, France had been greatly weakened by war, financial crisis, and the loss of much of its colonial possessions. His legacy is often overshadowed by his personal indulgences and extravagance. Nevertheless, he was an important figure in French history, and he left a lasting mark on the country.