Origins & Early Life

John II (French: Jean II; 26 April 1319 – 8 April 1364), called John the Good (French: Jean le Bon), was King of France from 1350 until his death in 1364. When he came to power, France faced several disasters: the Black Death, which killed between a third and a half of its population; popular revolts known as Jacqueries; free companies (Grandes Compagnies) of routiers who plundered the country; and English aggression during the Hundred Years' War that resulted in catastrophic military losses, including the Battle of Poitiers of 1356, in which John was captured. While John was a prisoner in London, his son Charles became regent and faced several rebellions, which he overcame. To liberate his father, he concluded the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, by which France lost many territories and paid an enormous ransom.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In an exchange of hostages, which included his son Louis I, Duke of Anjou, John was released from captivity to raise funds for his ransom. Upon his return to France, he created the franc to stabilise the currency and tried to get rid of the free companies by sending them to a crusade, but Pope Innocent VI died shortly before their meeting in Avignon. When John was informed that...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Arno Allan Penzias — Shared historical date (04-26 · Born) (1933): Pioneering radio astronomer known for discovering cosmic microwave background radiation.
• Antony Flew — Shared historical date (04-08 · Died) (2010): English analytic and evidentialist philosopher known for his critique of religion.
• Bankim Chandra Chatterjee — Shared historical date (04-08 · Died) (1894): Pioneering Bengali novelist, poet, and journalist, celebrated as the 'Emperor of Literature'.
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• Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya — Historical peer (Died in 1350) (1350): Influential Hanbali scholar, jurist, and theologian of the Mamluk era.
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