The West Frankish Kingdom was a medieval state that emerged in the late 9th century, following the division of the Carolingian Empire. It primarily covered what is now modern-day France and was established after the Treaty of Verdun in 843. The kingdom was characterized by a feudal system, where local lords held power over their territories, often leading to fragmentation and internal conflicts. Over time, the West Frankish Kingdom evolved into the Kingdom of France, especially under the rule of the Capetian dynasty starting in 987. This transition marked the beginning of a more centralized monarchy, which gradually unified the region and laid the foundation for the modern French state.