Blanche of Castile - J-blanchard.org

Name Class Date
The Later Middle Ages
Biography
Blanche of Castile
1188–1252
WHY SHE MADE HISTORY Blanche of
Castile was one of the most able rulers of
France. She safeguarded and organized the
French territories, beginning an era of stability.
As you read the biography below, think about
how Blanche’s diplomacy helped her unify
France and bring stability to the country.
Blanche was born in Castile, Spain, in 1188. Her
father was Alphonso VIII, the king of Castile, and
her mother was Eleanor, daughter of the King
Henry II of England. In 1200 Blanche was married
to the son of the king of France. The marriage
was arranged in the hopes of bringing a truce in
the fight between England and France over some
French territories.
Blanche’s husband was Louis VIII, the king of
France. Upon his death in 1226, the throne passed
to their son, Louis IX, who was only 12 years old
at the time. Blanche became queen regent for her
minor son. She was so capable and forceful that she
continued to influence him greatly, even after he
was older and could rule on his own beginning
in 1236.
Although Blanche’s parents were Spanish and
English, she fell in love with her adopted country
of France. She made the unification of France her
main goal. She celebrated France’s victories and
was often at the head of her troops when they rode
into battle. Blanche was a good negotiator, an
effective diplomat, and a great leader. These
qualities helped her bring France into a period
of stability. She achieved this by putting down
VOCABULARY
truce agreement to
suspend fighting
commoners persons who
are not nobility
militias groups of citizens
called to military service
only when needed
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
8 The Later Middle Ages

Name Class Date
Blanche of Castile, continued
Biography
rebellions, replacing rebel noble groups with
commoners, and organizing local militias. In a
short time she managed to stop the revolts and
establish truces with England and southern France.
Blanche, who served as regent of France while her
son King Louis IX was a minor, took the position
again when he went off to fight in the Crusades in
1248. During her second term as regent, she was in
poor health, but this did not stop her from actively
fulfilling her duties. She signed new laws and was
concerned with the needs of the poor. She worked
to protect the less fortunate against injustices.
Blanche died of a heart attack in 1252 and was
laid out in a nun’s habit on a bed of hay.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
1. Identify What were the qualities that helped Blanche unify France?
2. Summarize How did Blanche manage to bring stability to France?
3. Make Judgments Do you think the fact that Blanche of Castile was a woman was
an advantage or a disadvantage for her as a ruler? Explain your answer.
ACTIVITY
4. Blanche was of Spanish and English heritage, but she fell in love with France. Of
the countries and periods you have studied so far, where would you have liked to
live and in what era? Give several reasons why you think it would have been nice
to live there during that period. Include drawings or illustrations from the region.
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
9 The Later Middle Ages