# Louis XIV dies (1715)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1715-louis-xiv-dies
Location: Versailles
Categories: ruler-change

The longest reign in French history ended and the child Louis XV inherited the throne. 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 XV (King of France). Louis XIV dies 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 XIV dies mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy.

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

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