Louis << LOO ee or lwee >> XI (1423-1483) was king of France. Louis XI succeeded his father, Charles VII, in 1461. Known as the Spider, Louis laid the foundations for royal absolutism (unlimited power) in France.
Louis was born on July 3, 1423, in Bourges, France. While still a dauphin (crown prince), he plotted against his father. In 1446, he was exiled, and in 1456, he fled for his life. When he became king, Louis set out to break the power of the nobles, who were almost independent of royal control. Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, led the nobles. After the duke was killed in battle in 1477, Louis seized most of his territory. In 1481, the king added Provence, Maine, and Anjou to his kingdom.
Louis often used cruel methods to keep his power. He made and broke laws and levied heavy taxes. But he also encouraged art and learning, promoted industry and agriculture, opened roads and canals, and helped the poor obtain justice. He died on Aug. 30, 1483.
See also France (A period of wars).
