Charles IV of France died in 1328 without a male heir, ending the Capetian dynasty. This led to a succession crisis that was a major cause of the Hundred Years' War. The claim to the French throne was contested by Edward III of England, leading to the English claim and the invasion of France.

The death of Charles IV and the succession crisis were pivotal events that shaped the political landscape of the 14th century. They became a central theme in French and English chronicle poetry, which debated the legitimacy of the claims. The event is a key backdrop to the war poetry of the period, including the works of Jean Froissart.