harles IX (1550-74), King of France, son of Henry II, and Catherine de Medici, succeeded to the throne at the age of ten on the death of his brother, Francis II. His mother became regent, and consolidated her power during his reign; but when the Huguenots became too powerful she plotted with the Guises, and tricked her son into giving consent to the infamous massacre of St. Bartholomew, on Aug. 24, 1572. Charles was seized with remorse, and died at Vincennes. See De la Bare-Duparcq’s Histoire de Charles IX (1875). [World Wide Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1935]

Charles IX (of France) (1550-74), king of France (1560-74), born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The son of Henry II and Catherine de Médicis, he succeeded his older brother, Francis II. During his minority and after 1563, when he assumed active rule, Charles remained under the domination of his mother. Intrigues and religious wars between Roman Catholics and Huguenots (Protestants) marked the entire course of his reign. In 1572 he was persuaded by Catherine to approve the Saint Bartholomew's Day Massacre, in which thousands of Huguenots were killed. Charles was succeeded by his brother Henry III. [Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia]

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