Tell us about the centralizing policy of the French kings in the first half of the 16th century.

In the 16th century, France was the largest Western European state. However, within the country, there were still vestiges of provincial fragmentation, which manifested itself in rivalry between major cities. The centralizing policy of the French kings helped to elevate Paris among other major cities, including Orleans. We can say that since the 16th century, absolutism in France reaches its highest peak. The policy of centralization contributed to the development of internal economic relations, the development of the national market, and the rallying of the French people. In addition, France was able to emerge at the forefront of cultural development among other European countries.