ABSTRACT
The death of Charles IV in 1328 without a male heir heralded the end of the direct Capetian dynasty. In conformity with established precedents the magnates of the realm agreed that the throne should pass to a cadet branch of the family, in the person of Philip VI of Valois, grandson of Philip III in the male line. A grandson of Philip III had succeeded to the throne, chosen by the leaders of the people in preference to the daughters of the last Capetians. Between 987 and 1328 the political power, administrative machinery and the resources of the Capetian kings changed and developed almost out of all recognition. By the end of the thirteenth century the feudal overlordship of the Capetians was fully established and their sovereign powers extended throughout the kingdom. The most serious-seeming challenge to the later Capetians came in 1314-15 with the formation of the provincial leagues.
