Charles IX (1550-74) inherited the throne on the premature death of his brother, François II, in 1560. His mother, Catherine de Médicis, initially acted as regent and attempted to maintain a powerful influence over him. He followed Catherine's decision to conciliate the Protestants, but was persuaded to sanction the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre, which finally alienated the Protestants and led them to develop new theories of popular sovereignty and the right of resistance. Despite his weaknesses, Charles was much loved by Ronsard.
[James Supple]
