1328: Philip VI and the Shadow of the English Claim

After the death of Charles IV, several claimants can assert rights. The throne ultimately goes to Philip VI, first king of the Valois. This solution ensures continuity “through men” within the Capetian kinship, but it does not close all debates.

---

👑 A Monarchy That Chooses Its Continuity

The adopted logic privileges male transmission and prevents the crown from passing through an heiress to another dynasty. This interpretation aims at internal stability, but it also creates frustrations.

---

👥 1328: Candidates Excluded “Through Women”

Three claims dominate:

• Philip of Valois, the closest male heir of the Capetian line.
• Philip of Évreux, in the name of his wife Joan II of Navarre (daughter of Louis X).
• Edward III of England, in the name of his mother Isabella of France (daughter of Philip the Fair).

The claims passing through women are rejected on the basis of a political reasoning: if a woman cannot rule, she cannot transmit the right to rule.

---

📌 “Salic Law”: A Later Reference

Contrary to a very widespread idea, one does not rely at that time on a “Salic law” rediscovered and stabilized as doctrine. The reference to the Salian Franks will be used later to “formalize” an already established practice.

---

🌊 A Conflict in Bud

England possesses lands in France and Capetian kinship through women. The combination “dynastic rights” + “feudal stakes” nourishes a rivalry of sovereignty. In the following years, this tension will become a major crisis.

The 1328 decision also has a side effect: Navarre is handed over to its legitimate heiress, Joan II, while France passes to the Valois.

---

🧠 Key Points to Remember

• 1328: The Valois ensure continuity, but contestation is not extinguished.
• Franco-English tensions are recomposed around legitimacy.