Louis XV was born on February 15, 1710, at Versailles, the great-grandson of Louis XIV. A succession of deaths from disease removed his parents, elder brother, grandfather, and father from the line of succession, leaving him heir while still a small child. When Louis XIV died in 1715, the five-year-old became king under the regency of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans.

The young king received instruction in religion, history, languages, geography, and the ceremonial obligations of monarchy. He was intelligent but shy and guarded, traits encouraged by childhood loss and the formal isolation of court life. In 1725 he married Marie Leszczyńska, daughter of the deposed king of Poland. The couple had ten children, ensuring the Bourbon succession, though Louis later became known for a series of royal mistresses.

Louis began personal rule in the 1720s but relied on powerful ministers, including Cardinal Fleury. Fleury’s long administration emphasized financial stability and cautious diplomacy, although France became involved in the War of the Polish Succession and the War of the Austrian Succession. Louis accompanied the army during the latter conflict and enjoyed considerable popularity after recovering from a dangerous illness at Metz.

The war ended without territorial gains proportionate to French victories, contributing to dissatisfaction and rivalry with Britain. After Fleury’s death, policymaking became less consistent as ministers, court factions, and royal favorites competed for influence. Madame de Pompadour emerged as an important patron and confidante. By the 1750s France faced British competition in North America, India, trade, and naval power. Louis approved the diplomatic reversal that allied France with its former Habsburg enemy, Austria, a decision that connected colonial rivalry with the approaching continental war.