Louis XV

Louis XV involved France in the War of the Austrian Succession, supporting Prussia against Austria. French forces achieved victories at Fontenoy (1745) but failed to secure lasting gains. The war drained French finances and ended with the inconclusive Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.

Louis XV signed the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, ending the War of the Austrian Succession. France gained little from the war despite military successes, returning conquered territories including the Austrian Netherlands. The treaty was seen as a diplomatic failure and contributed to the decline of royal prestige.

Louis XV led France into the Seven Years' War against Great Britain and Prussia. The war resulted in France losing most of its North American colonies (New France) and its influence in India. The Treaty of Paris (1763) confirmed these losses, severely weakening French colonial power.

Louis XV, advised by Chancellor Maupeou, abolished the Parlements (high courts) that had opposed royal tax reforms. This authoritarian move centralized power but alienated the nobility and legal classes, creating long-term opposition to the monarchy.