The Kingdom of France was a historical monarchy in Western Europe that existed from the early medieval period until the late 18th century. It played a significant role in European history, known for its cultural, political, and military influence. The kingdom was characterized by a feudal system, where land was held by nobles in exchange for military service to the king. Throughout its history, the Kingdom of France saw the rise and fall of various dynasties, including the Capetians and the Valois. The kingdom reached its peak during the reign of Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, who centralized power and expanded French territories. The monarchy ultimately ended with the French Revolution in 1789.