Louis VIII became king following the death of his father, Philip II, who had greatly expanded the French royal domain in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Known as Philip Augustus, he is credited with consolidating royal power and significantly increasing the territory of the kingdom. Louis VIII, also known as Louis the Lion, was born in 1187 and had been groomed for kingship, having grown up during a time of great political change. The transition to his reign was marked by both promise and challenge, as he was only 36 years old and faced a kingdom that had recently experienced considerable growth and unrest.

The shift in leadership came during a period of instability in the region, with various nobility factions vying for power. Louis' rule began against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict with England, particularly over territories in France that were controlled by English kings. Relations with the English monarchy would remain a central focus throughout his reign, as well as issues concerning the nobility and the administrative structure of the kingdom. In addition, the growing influence of the Catholic Church played a substantial role in the governance and politics of the time, and Louis VIII's allegiance to the Church would reflect in his policies and military campaigns.

Despite the challenges, Louis VIII aimed to follow in his father's footsteps by continuing efforts to centralize power and assert royal authority over various regions. His path, however, would not be free from conflict, as he sought to defend and expand French interests while managing the complex landscape of feudal relations. Louis' short reign, which lasted until 1226, ultimately set the stage for future developments in the French monarchy and the conflicts that would arise in the Hundred Years' War.