CHARLES VII.

in creating a standing army struck feudalism a deadly blow.

His son, Louis XI., with cold-blooded brutality finished the work.

This man's powerful and crafty intelligence saw in an alliance with the common people a means of absorbing to himself supreme power.
Not since Tiberius had there been a more blood-thirsty monster on a throne.

But he demolished the political structure of mediaevalism in his kingdom; and when his cruel reign was ended the Middle Ages had passed away, and modern life had begun in France.
There was no longer even the pretence of knightly virtues in France.
It was time for the high-born robbers and ruffians in steel helmets to give place to men with hearts and brains.