The rise of a unified nation-state in France began with a line of kings known as the "Capetians" (A.D. 987-1328). Hugh Capet was the first of the Capetian kings. By the beginning of the fourteenth century, the Capetians had succeeded in bringing most of France under a centralized government. Philip II was a Capetian king who expanded France, seizing territories including Normandy from John of England, and establishing the official office of "[[bailiff]]", with tax collecting and royal court duties. Louis IX "the Pious" established an appeals court, with authority surpassing that of the local courts. Under the Capetian kings, a French legislative body known as the "Estates General" was created, including the "[[Third Estate]]," which allowed commoners to participate in lawmaking. | The rise of a unified nation-state in France began with a line of kings known as the "Capetians" (A.D. 987-1328). Hugh Capet was the first of the Capetian kings. By the beginning of the fourteenth century, the Capetians had succeeded in bringing most of France under a centralized government. Philip II was a Capetian king who expanded France, seizing territories including Normandy from John of England, and establishing the official office of "[[bailiff]]", with tax collecting and royal court duties. Louis IX "the Pious" established an appeals court, with authority surpassing that of the local courts. Under the Capetian kings, a French legislative body known as the "Estates General" was created, including the "[[Third Estate]]," which allowed commoners to participate in lawmaking. |