# Louis XIII dies; Louis XIV succeeds (1643)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1643-louis-xiii-dies-louis-xiv-succeeds
Location: France
Categories: ruler-change

The five-year-old Louis XIV inherited the throne under the regency of Anne of Austria. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis XIV (King of France). Louis XIII dies; Louis XIV succeeds mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Louis XIII dies; Louis XIV succeeds mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy.

Ruler at the time: [Louis XIV](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-xiv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Louis XIII dies; Louis XIV succeeds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Louis+XIII+dies%3B+Louis+XIV+succeeds&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Louis XIII dies; Louis XIV succeeds](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Louis+XIII+dies%3B+Louis+XIV+succeeds)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)