In her book "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," Barbara W. Tuchman discusses a pivotal decision regarding the French succession. A principle was articulated that clearly stated, "a woman does not succeed to the throne of France." This declaration led to the establishment of the Salic Law, which formally prohibited women from inheriting the French crown.
The introduction of Salic Law marked a significant shift in the rules governing royal succession, creating a barrier that had not previously existed. This law not only influenced the dynastic politics of France but also reflected broader societal attitudes towards gender and power during that era.