# Great Winter famine (1709)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1709-great-winter-famine
Location: France

Exceptionally severe weather and crop failures caused widespread hunger and mortality. 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). Great Winter famine is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. 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
Great Winter famine is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

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

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Great Winter famine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Great+Winter+famine&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Great Winter famine](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Great+Winter+famine)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)