Charles IX

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Charles IX (1550–74) King of France (1560–74). Charles succeeded his brother Francis II in 1560, and his mother Catherine de' Medici became regent. Her authority waned when, in 1571, the young king fell under the influence of Gaspard de Coligny, leader of the Huguenots. Coligny and thousands of followers were slain in the Saint Bartholomew's Day Massacre (1572), ordered by Charles at the instigation of his mother. His brother succeeded him as Henry III.

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Charles IX (France)

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